Ireland Women's Under-17s secure victory against South Korea in friendly
Under-17 Women's team prior to kick-off against South Korea Credit: FAI
The Ireland Women's Under 17 team enjoyed a successful outing against South Korea in an international friendly held at Estádio Dr. Alves Vieira in Portugal, part of their preparations for the UEFA European Championship Qualifiers in March.
The match began with both sides taking time to settle into the game.
Twenty minutes in, Bohemians' Aoibhe Brennan tested the South Korean goalkeeper with a promising shot on target.
Despite further pressure, including a save from goalkeeper Clodagh Fitzgerald at the 29-minute mark, the first half looked set to end goalless.
However, South Korea found a breakthrough just before the half-time whistle, with Han Gukhee capitalising on a moment of pressure to score.
In the second half, Ireland's Anna Butler from Shamrock Rovers found the back of the net with a first-time shot, drawing the score level at the 74th-minute mark.
Treaty United's Katie Lawlee later had a powerful strike saved, keeping the match tense until the final moments.
The decisive moment came when substitute Katie O’Reilly delivered a crucial free-kick into the box, leading to Kiera Sena scoring with a controlled finish, securing a 2-1 win for Ireland.
After a strong performance against a skilful South Korean team, the Irish WU17s are now poised for their next challenge against Portugal in another friendly encounter on Wednesday.
Ireland: Clodagh Fitzgerald; Lucy O’Rourke, Keeva Flynn, Keelin Dodd (Ciara Fitzpatrick), Kiera Sena; Anna Hegarty (Lucy Fitzgerald), Anna Butler (Emily Fitzgerald), Aoibhe Brennan; Ella Kelly, Katie Lawlee (Amy Tierney), Rebecca Devereux (Katie O’Reilly).
