Kasey McAteer scored his first international goal for the Republic of Ireland as they played out an entertaining 1-1 draw with Senegal in Dublin.
The Irish delivered a performance full of industry in their first-ever encounter with the Senegalese at the Aviva Stadium.
Leicester’s McAteer and Ipswich’s Jack Taylor made their first starts for Ireland with head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson looking at his options ahead of the beginning of the World Cup qualifying campaign in September.
Senegal, ranked 19th by FIFA, some 41 places higher than the Republic, named an experimental side with only two starters remaining from their recent World Cup qualifying win over Togo.
The west African side started brightly, controlling possession in the early stages and keeping the pressure on Ireland with two corners.
However, Ireland grew in stature throughout the first half and opened the scoring through McAteer in the 21st minute when Senegal failed to clear a corner.
Ryan Manning crossed and Nathan Collins headed it on to McAteer. His initial header was wonderfully saved by Yehvann Diouf, but the forward kept his composure to control the rebound and fire it home.
The Irish stayed on the front foot for the rest of the half, showing good energy as they moved the ball quickly between defence and attack, seeming to rattle the Senegalese, who were defending a 20-match unbeaten run.
Antoine Mendy had the visitors’ best chance of the half, but he screwed his shot from the edge of the box high and wide.
Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, recently signed by Brentford from Liverpool, had virtually nothing to do before the break.
The second half started in similar positive fashion for Ireland and Southampton’s Will Smallbone should have doubled their
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