Amber Barrett took her chance to book a World Cup plane ticket with a two goal second-half salvo against Zambia.
Ireland’s first of two World Cup warm-up games gave Vera Pauw a lot to think about as she ran the rule over her panel. Barrett's two goals helping Ireland to a 3-2 win.
What she learnt; we knew before. Courtaney Brosnan is a definite for the number one jersey. Amber Barrett will make the plane to Oz.
The game had a feeling of a warm-up game. Two sides heading to the World Cup, some looking to impress. Others looking to not lose a place on the plane.
Own Goal
Zambia took the lead on 17 minutes. A break down the right caught Ireland out. Banda's effort deflects off an Irish player, clips the near post and bounces across the line and bounces back out.
While VAR was not in play, replays showed the ball had crossed the line off the unlucky Brosnan.
Ireland looked like a team in the build-up to a world cup. Tidy in midfield, yet out muscled in the battle with the powerful Zambians, in the opening stages.
Leanne Kiernan had the ball in the net on 32 minutes after collecting a chipped ball on the chest. Unfortunately the linesman had ruled it offside.
Barabara Banda again caused problems on 35 minutes. Banda’s direct powerful running putting Ireland on the back foot. This time Louise Quinn’s calm defending cutting out the danger.
Kiernan was lively in attack with 39 minutes on the clock. The Cavan woman linking with Saoirse Noonan and creating a chance for Abbie Larkin who headed over.
Moments later Kiernan found her way into the box, only to be denied by the sprawling Hazel Nali.
The resulting corner was retrieved by Rusehda Littlejohn. Louise Quinn could only head over.
Ireland keeper, Brosnan was at her best three minutes later. Banda’s powerful shot from the edge of the box taken with both hands by the Ireland stopper.
Ireland went in 1-0 down at half-time. Pauw was expected to make changes and ring them she did, Roma McLaughlin replacing Kiernan.
Just two minutes where on the clock and Ireland were level. Heather Payne was central to the build-up, forcing the ball back to Larkin. Larkin blasted a shot which came off Kantongo’s arm.
Barrett Introduction
From the spot kick, Amber Barrett calmly slotted the ball into the corner.
Ireland used Payne more effectively in the second-half. The Roscommon natives speed and trickery creating action down the right.
Claire O’Riordan headed Ireland in front on 63 minutes. Megan Connolly delivering a peach of a left wing free-kick with O’Riordan heading low back across goal giving the keeper no chance.
Brosnan was at her best on 70 minutes with a diving safe to her left, fishing out a Kundananji shot after driving cross goal.
Barrett had her second goal on 71 minutes. The Donegal woman forced a corner, which keeper Nali flapped at. Barrett hooked the ball over the Zambian keeper and home. A composed finish from Ireland’s number nine.
Ireland 3-1 Zambia: Amber Barrett claims her second of the night with a wonderfully taken finish. #RTEsoccer
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— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 22, 2023
However, Brosnan proved why she was player of the year with 15 minutes remaining. Kundanaji burst through the Irish rearguard. Brosnan brilliantly sliding out to clip the ball out from under her feet.
Kundanaji finally got on the scoresheet with 12 minutes remaining, again showing power and strength. This time powering past Harriett Scott and pushing the ball past Brosnan.
Ireland stayed lively upfront, Barrett briming with confidence and well supported by Ciara Grant. Zambia were lively looking for their equaliser, Louise Quinn’s alertness helping Ireland to victory.
A worthwhile friendly for Pauw to run the rule ahead of her final squad decision.
Ireland: Brosnan, Fahey (Scott HT), Quinn, O’Riordan, Payne, Littlejohn (Grant HT), Connolly, Atkinson (Mustaki HT) Kiernan (McLoughlin HT), Larkin (Luisa Quinn 64), Noonan (Barrett HT)
Zambia: Nali, Soko, Mweemba, Belemu, Chanda, B. Banda, Katongo, Musea, Kundanaji, S. Banda, Mapepa
