Watch: Ireland under-21s begin Euro campaign with a win over Kosovo

The Republic of Ireland opened their 2019 under-21 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Kosovo at Tallaght Stadium thanks to Olamide Shodipo's second-half goal.

 

The Queens Park Rangers winger, who's currently on loan at Port Vale, bundled home after Kosovo faile to clear clubmate Ryan Manning's corner.

 

Chesterfield midfielder Connor Dimaoi had the hosts' first chance of the evening as he lifted a Harry Charsley pull-back onto the roof of the net midway through the first half.

 

There were further chances for Corey Whelan, who was denied by defender Arian Kabashi, and another long-range effort from Dimaoi as the sides went in scoreless at the break.

 

Kosovo striker Leonard Pilana forced a save from Kieran O'Hara at his near post early in the second half before Charsley forced the ball towards goal for Shodipo to break the deadlock before the hour.

 



The visitors roared back and within two minutes midfielder Engjell Hoti hit the post from distance, before substitute Reece Grego-Cox dispossessed a Kosovo defender before seeing his shot blocked.

 

Florent Hasani had a shot well-saved for the Kosovars before Hoti struck the post with his volley. Ryan Sweeney swept the ball away and Noel King's side held out for a vital opening-day win.

 

Read Alex Dunne's match report from Tallaght Stadium here, and watch highlights below.