Muriqi sinks Republic of Ireland as Kosovo claim deserved 1-0 Nations League win in Pristina

The Republic of Ireland slipped to a 1-0 defeat away to Kosovo in their UEFA Nations League Group B3 opener at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina, with captain Vedat Muriqi bundling home the winner seven minutes from time.

The build-up to the match had been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Ireland's upcoming fixtures against Israel — which Republic boss Heimir Hallgrimsson had admitted many of his squad members were uncomfortable about playing. Ireland are scheduled to face Israel in Hungary on Sunday and then again in a 'home' tie at a neutral venue in Serbia a week later.

Kelleher and Molumby keep Ireland level

Chiedozie Ogbene had fired an early chance over before Kosovo finished the first half strongly. The home side had two shots cleared off the line — Jayson Molumby hooking away Muriqi's angled shot after half an hour, while Dara O'Shea blocked Veldin Hodza's 10-yard strike in front of goal — before goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher clawed away a looping Muriqi header that was bound for the top corner.

Ireland's only real clear chance arrived in the 22nd minute, when first competitive starter James Abankwah broke down the right into the Kosovo penalty area and cut the ball back to Ogbene, who sent a curling effort over the crossbar.

Hallgrimsson handed Udinese defender Abankwah a first competitive start in a back five, with in-form Real Betis striker Troy Parrott the lone forward and O'Shea taking the captain's armband.

Muriqi makes the difference

Ireland made a positive start to the second half, with a deep Abankwah cross finding Parrott at the far post, but his header was gathered by Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric. Kosovo carried the greater threat, with Baton Zabergja sending a 20-yard effort just wide of the top corner and Muriqi forcing Kelleher into another smart save from an angled shot at the near post.

The breakthrough finally came in the 83rd minute: Ermal Krasniqi's shot was deflected onto the crossbar and Muriqi reacted quickest in a crowded six-yard box to nod the ball over the line. Kosovo, playing in League B for the first time, should have added a second late on when substitute Krasniqi dragged his shot wide after being set up by Muriqi following a break onto a long ball.