Republic of Ireland have started their 2023 calendar with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Latvia in Wednesday's international friendly.
Callum O'Dowda and Evan Ferguson put the home side into an early lead before they were surprisingly pegged back by two long-range efforts from the visitors.
Nevertheless, shortly after the hour mark, Chiedozie Ogbene scored what proved to be the winner to provide Stephen Kenny's side with a morale-boosting win.
Given the quality which is present in their Euro 2024 qualification group, this Republic of Ireland group required a confidence boost ahead of hosting France on Monday.
For the first half-hour, Kenny's side enjoyed the perfect evening, Callum O'Dowda giving his side the lead with a controlled header into the far corner after meeting a Will Smallbone cross.
Even Ferguson was then on hand to double the Republic of Ireland's lead soon afterwards, the Brighton & Hove Albion converting from close range for his first goal with the senior squad.
However, Latvia found a way back into the contest through Roberts Uldriķis, who netted a stunning effort from nearly 30 yards which found the top corner.
Instant. Impact. 👏
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 22, 2023
Mikey Johnston and Chiedozie Ogbene combine as the latter helps Ireland to the lead again! 🟢 pic.twitter.com/Kf1rqoAAfK
In first-half added-on time, the visitors were level as Arturs Zjuzins's deflected strike from the edge of the area flew past Caoimhen Kelleher and into the roof of the net.
The early stages of the second period did not replicate those of the first, leading to Kenny making three alterations on the 63-minute mark.
Within a minute of their introduction, debutant Mikey Johnston and Ogbene combined to put Republic of Ireland back into the lead, the former initially striking the woodwork.
Latvia failed to clear, however, and it allowed Ogbene to convert from close range for his fourth international goal.
Johnston, who has switched allegiances from Scotland, continued to impress on a lively outing, yet his new nation had to be content with a narrow success on what was a more testing occasion than they may have anticipated at one stage.
Darren Plant
