Northern Ireland Women U-17s held after Kazakhstan comeback | OneFootball

Kazakhstan’s Angelina Klenova and Northern Ireland’s Niamh Hassan. (Bob Hall Sports Photography)

Northern Ireland let slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Kazakhstan in a UEFA WU17 Euro 2nd Qualifying Round group game played in Larne.

Kazakhstan keeper Karolina Guk kept out efforts from Heidi Curran and Abbie Smyth, before Gail Redmond’s side edged in front on 13 minutes when Ellen McDermott met a clearance and smashed the ball home.

Guk saved a Lucy Kelly strike and Charlotte Havern steered an effort wide, however Havern made no mistake when she scored with a free-kick on 25 minutes.

Zara Maguire saved an Aiya Muttari strike but the hosts lost Kelly who was stretchered off following a collision.

In added time at the end of the first half, Kazakhstan pulled a goal back when Aru Yermagambetova found space in the area and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

McDermott had a shot pushed away by Guk, then on 71 minutes Sophie Hutchinson was penalised for handball in the area and Assel Zholbolat equalised from the spot.

Abbie Smyth (19, Northern Ireland) with a header against Kazakhstan keeper Karolina Guk. (Photo: Ephy McConnell)

Ava Hurl hit the visitors’ woodwork with a fine strike and right at the end, Maguire got down well to keep out a well-struck free-kick.

In today’s other game in the group, Estonia and Montenegro drew 1-1 at Seaview.

Northern Ireland’s final game in the group is against Estonia at Seaview on Sunday (23 March). Kick-off time is 5.30pm.

The draw for the final tournament, hosted by the Faroe Islands, will be made at 11am (UK time) on Wednesday 26 March.

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