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Friday, October 3, 2025

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Northern Ireland U17 lose out in France

Northern Ireland’s Women’s Under-17s were defeated 5-0 by a strong French WU17s team in an international

friendly played in France.

Northern Ireland’s Women’s Under-17s are playing two friendlies this month as preparations for WU17 Euro 2026 step up a gear. Today they faced France away and on Sunday they will play at home against the Republic of Ireland’s WU17s.

Northern Ireland WU17s boss Gail Redmond has chosen a 20-strong squad for the two preparation games.

The Irish Football Association is set to host the UEFA Women’s Under-17 European Championship from 3 to 16 May next year.

France started on the front foot, and both Sara Devany and Daisy Moore had to defend well to keep them at bay, however they could do nothing to stop France’s opener on 10 minutes. The hosts scored with an effort from the edge of the penalty area. Seven minutes later Mirjana Karrabecaj played a great through ball to Emilee Leacock who was unlucky not to get a shot away.

On 19 minutes Northern Ireland keeper Ifeoma Agoha made a great stop, while Charlotte Havern and Abbie Smyth made some vital tackles in the middle of the park. Ten minutes later France went two up. From a corner the ball was cleared to the edge of the penalty area where a French player curled it into the net.

Smyth put a free kick just wide and a Devany header went past the upright before France made it 3-0 with another sweet curler. Agoha got down well to make a save in a one v one and then the French keeper saved a Smyth strike from distance.

France quickly added to their tally after the restart. A player pounced on a loose ball and finished well. Northern Ireland continued to defend resolutely, however the hosts grabbed a fifth with a long range effort on 62 minutes.

Substitute Ava Hurl had a couple of half chances for the visitors, although France defended well. Karrabecaj blasted a free kick from distance but the French keeper was equal to it.

Afterwards Redmond said: “I was really pleased with our application over the 90 minutes. France were physically strong and quick, with excellent technical abilities. The learnings from this will be invaluable as we prepare for the UEFA finals next May.”

The WU17s will now face the Republic at Inver Park in Larne on Sunday (5 October). That game has a 3pm kick off.

France: Jenaye Lejort, Emma Motyka, Lea Motyka, Melissa Esdras, Emilie Daramola, Odelia Tae, Dienebou Niakate, Mayra Ferreira, Margot Collin, Maelys Ane, Sharon Wapelabwebe. Subs: Clelia Ducreux, Marilou Mafuta, Angeline Girardot, Zelie Mathelin, Rosie Olando, Aya Ait Khouya Mouh, Gloria Benkoundou, Elise Dhalluin, Elsa Prezelin, Sharlie Yerro, Anne Goprou, Marie Lafontaine, Mehisane Zidi.

Northern Ireland: Ifeoma Agoha, Daisy Moore, Holly Hilton, Ellie McGarrigle, Sara Devany, Heidi Curran, Mirjana Karrabecaj, Charlotte Havern, Maja Stachura, Emilee Leacock, Abbie Smyth. Subs: Sophie Glover, Chloe Beckinsale, Sasha Cowan, Anayah Lee, Grace Steele, Grace Campbell, Charley McMullan, Ava Hurl, Annarose Robinson, Ella Wasson.

(irishfa.com)