Photo caption – The three Northern Ireland goal-scorers, Megan Bell (far left), Lauren Wade (middle) and Simone Magill (right) photo credit – IFA
NORTHERN Ireland record their first victory in the Euro 2025 qualifying campaign as they defeat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 in Zenica.
Lauren Wade broke the deadlock, but the home side equalised within two minutes before Megan Bell and Simone Magill secured the victory for an impressive Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland now sit top of Group B3 with Malta facing Portugal later this evening.
The home side had the first chance of the game when Maja Jelcic guided Emina Ekic’s well-timed cross towards goal, but Jackie Burns was able to gather the danger.
On the 13th minute Megan Bell’s free-kick caused a scramble in the box with the loose ball falling to Magill who couldn’t control the danger, which gave Envera Hasanbegovic time to prepare for her resulting shot.
Ekic was in action again when she travelled past multiple green shirts before her strike made the busy Burns produce a fine save.
It was a much more action-filled second half with Wade opening the scoring on the 54th minute when her low strike from the outside of her boot found the back of the net.
The visitors lead didn’t last long though as, just two minutes later, Bosnia equalised when Minela Gacanica found the unmarked Marija Milinkovic, who made no mistake from point-blank range.
However, Northern Ireland restored their advantage on the 60th minute when Bell travelled through midfield and into the box and then fired a strong strike into the top of the net.
Magill thought she had made it 3-1 when she slotted Keri Halliday’s delivery home, but she was offside.
The Aston Villa star did get on the scoresheet though on the 68th minute when substitute Casey Howe got involved in the action instantly and her clever pass found Magill, who controlled the danger before slotting home.
Northern Ireland dominated after their third goal with there being very little action after, with the away side comfortable to slow the tempo of the game down and Bosnia unable to react.
Tanya Oxtoby’s side will return to action in the next qualifying games in May and June and face Portugal, both home and away.
