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Sunday, March 15, 2026

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Northern Ireland narrowly lose out to Turkey  

Northern Ireland 0 Turkey 1 (Turkoglu 24)

Northern Ireland suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Turkey in their second FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 qualifying match, leaving them still searching for their first points in League B Group 2.

The tightly contested European qualifier at Mourneview Park in Lurgan saw second seeds Northern Ireland unlucky not to claim at least a draw against the third seeds, in front of a crowd of 2,186.

A first half goal from Ece Türkoglu proved decisive, capitalising on a defensive error to hand the visitors all three points.

Interim manager Kris Lindsay's side showed promise, particularly after the break when they enjoyed more possession, but they struggled to break down a resolute Turkish defence.

Lauren Perry, making her first appearance for Northern Ireland since 2018, was called into action early as she saved a free kick from Ebru Topçu straight at her. Northern Ireland created a chance through good build up involving Rebecca McKenna and Danielle Maxwell, with McKenna teeing up Mia Moore, whose low drive was held by Turkish captain and goalkeeper Selda Akgöz.

Brenna McPartlan cleared danger after Perry's clearance fell kindly to Türkoglu.The breakthrough came on 24 minutes when another Perry clearance fell short, allowing Türkoglu to hammer the ball into the bottom corner.

Northern Ireland pushed forward as the half progressed, with Maxwell lively on the right and Lauren Wade working hard on the left. In the 43rd minute, Turkish striker Kader Hançar slipped past captain Laura Rafferty but dragged her shot wide. Topçu then scooped an effort off target shortly after.

In first half stoppage time, Maxwell found space in the area but her cross drifted out.

The second half saw Northern Ireland step up the intensity. Player of the match Moore, in her first senior start, burst through midfield in the 51st minute and saw her snapshot deflected for a corner.

The contest became scrappy at times, but Türkoglu fired wide from distance on 73 minutes. Substitute Megan Bell delivered a fine pass to Maxwell, whose cross just evaded fellow sub Leyla McFarland.

Bell then tested Akgöz with a well struck free kick as Northern Ireland pressed for an equaliser. At the other end, Turkish substitute Miray Cin had a shot blocked by McKenna, while Ellie Mason advanced but was thwarted.

Northern Ireland now sit without points after two matches, with Switzerland and Turkey both on six points from two wins. Malta, who also have zero points, await Northern Ireland in a double header next month.

Northern Ireland: Lauren Perry, Rebecca McKenna, Ellie Mason, Rebecca Holloway, Laura Rafferty (sub Sarah McFadden 68mins), Natalie Johnson (sub Megan Bell 69mins), Danielle Maxwell, Brenna McPartlan, Kascie Weir (sub Leyla McFarland 69mins), Mia Moore (sub Louise McDaniel 78mins), Lauren Wade (sub Casey Howe 78mins). Subs not used: Jackie Burns, Abbie Smith, Keri Halliday, Nadene Caldwell, Aimee Kerr, Caragh Hamilton, Abi Sweetlove.  

Turkey: Selda Agkoz, Elif Keskin, Ilayda Civelek, Eda Karatas, Meryem Kucukbirinci, Ebru Topcu (sub Halle Houssein 90mins), Fatma Sakar (sub Busem Seker 68mins), Basak Icinozbebek, Kader Hancar (sub Melike Ozturk 89mins), Ece Turkoglu, Selen Altunkulak (sub Miray Cin 23mins). Subs not used: Goknur Guleryuz, Gamze Yaman, Ipek Kaya, Arzu Karabulut, Derya Arhan, Birgul Sadikoglu, Kezban Tag, Gulbin Hiz.