Jaden Umeh opens the scoring for Ireland U17's in their World Cup win over Panama
Jaden Umeh of Republic of Ireland celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's first goal during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group J match between Panama and Republic of Ireland at Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar. Photo by Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile
Republic of Ireland 4
Panama 1
Cork’s own Jaden Umeh got the opener as the Republic of Ireland U17s kickstarted their World Cup campaign with a 4-1 victory over Panama in Doha on Wednesday afternoon.
The striker who came through at Ringmahon Rangers opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a close ranger header.
The result means it’s a perfect start for Cork coaches Colin O’Brien and John Cotter with the U17s ahead of upcoming group games against Uzbekistan and Paraguay.
The three points will go a long way to possible qualification to the Round of 32 as three teams can get out of a group, with one going through amongst the best third placed teams in the competition.
Right now, the Boys in Green are celebrating after a performance that blew Panama away in the heat.
Their first goal came from a Rory Finneran corner that Umeh knocked in passed Adamir Aparicio.
Kian McMahon Brown doubled their advantage by finishing a well worked move put together by Ramon Martos and Max Kovalevskis.
The midfielder swing his right leg at the ball on that occasion and it was 2-0 in the 35th minute.
The Boys in Green led at the break and the second half effectively began with a Michael Noonan header from close range that Aparicio had no chance of getting to.
Panama were then awarded a penalty and the decision was over turned by the officials after a quick review.
Kovalevskis got the fourth for Ireland and Moises Richards replied late on, but it was too little too late.
Republic of Ireland: Alex Noonan; Oisin McDonagh, Vinnie Leonard, Ryan Butler, Ade Solanke; Rory Finneran, Kian McMahon-Brown, Ramon Martos; Michael Noonan, Jaden Umeh, Max Kovalevskis.
Subs: Grady McDonnell for McMahon-Brown (63);Victor Ozhianvuna for Kovalevskis (63), Sean Spaight for Martos (78), Gavin McAteer for Solanke (78), Brody Lee for Umeh (89).
Panama: Adamir Aparicio; Anthony Ramos, Joseph Pacheco, Shayron Stewart, Hector Brias; Pablo Aranda, Estevis Lopez; Gerson Gordon, Jossimar Insturain, Edgardo Tovares; Moises Richards.
Subs: Angel James for Tovares (HT); Adrian Olivardia for Aranda (HT), Abraham Salinas for Gordon (73), Renso Reyes for Stewart (85).
Referee: Yender Herrera (Venezuelan)
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