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Republic of Ireland MU17s discover UEFA European Under-17 Championship Finals opponents

Republic of Ireland MU17s discover UEFA European Under-17 Championship Finals opponents

The Republic of Ireland Men's Under-17s have discovered their faith for the 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship Finals.

The young boys in green have been drawn to face hosts Hungary, Poland and Wales in Group A, following the proceedings in Budapest.

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Colin O'Brien's side went into the draw seeded in Pot 1, having topped their group ahead of Italy. Fittingly, a sensational 96th-minute winner from Bohemian's Nickson Okosun sealed a 3-2 victory over Cyprus in Pathos, sealed qualification to the finals.

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The tournament starts on May 17 and will play out until June 2, 2023, while acting as UEFA's qualifier for the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup in Peru.

The four semi-finalists will fill the five spots, plus the winners of a play-off between the two beaten quarter-finalists with the best group stage record.

Speaking after the draw, O'Brien, said: "It's an exciting time for the players. This tournament is a great platform for the players to showcase their ability and to do so against top opposition.

"The group is competitive and we'll be up against opponents who, like us, have come through two tough qualification rounds to be in the finals - all teams are here on merit.

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"We're looking forward to it and can now prepare for our opening game on May 17 against Poland."

The venues are yet to be confirmed, but the date for each fixture has been solidified.

 

Wednesday, May 17 | Ireland MU17 v Poland MU17

Saturday, May 20 | Ireland MU17 v Wales MU17

Tuesday, May 23 | Hungary MU17 v Ireland MU17

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