Kosovo secured a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in their UEFA Nations League Group B3 opener in Pristina on Thursday.
Ireland struggled to create clear opportunities throughout the encounter, with their best chance coming in the 22nd minute when Chiedozie Ogbene curled his effort over the crossbar after being picked out by James Abankwah.
Kosovo grew into the game and nearly broke the deadlock before the interval.
Jayson Molumby cleared Vedat Muriqi’s effort off the line, while Dara O’Shea also made an important block as the hosts continued to threaten.
Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was also called into action, producing a fine save to deny Muriqi’s looping header and keep the visitors level at half-time.
The visitors started the second half positively, with Abankwah’s cross finding Troy Parrott at the far post, but the striker’s header was comfortably held by Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
Kosovo continued to press and finally took the lead in the 83rd minute.
Ermal Krasniqi’s effort deflected onto the crossbar before Muriqi reacted quickest inside the six-yard box to head the rebound over the line.
The hosts came close to adding a second late on, but Krasniqi dragged his effort wide after being played through by Muriqi.
The defeat leaves Ireland without a point from their opening Nations League fixture, while Kosovo made a winning start to their first campaign in League B.
