The Ukrainian U-20 national team (players born in 2005 or later) conducted a friendly match against Northern Ireland U-21 during their training camp.

Under the guidance of Dmitry Mykhaylenko, the players are currently in Turkey where they plan to play two friendlies. This is one stage of preparation for the World Cup (U-20) which will take place in Chile in autumn 2025 and our team has qualified by reaching the semi-finals of Euro-2024 (U-19) in Northern Ireland.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

Today, on March 22, the blue and yellow team met with Northern Ireland's youth national team in the city of Belek. The first half was a battle with very few opportunities. One can recall only an inaccurate header from a player of the Northern Irish side close to halftime.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

During halftime, Dmitry Mykhaylenko made eight substitutions. One of those who stayed on the field was Chaban, and it was he who opened the scoring with a class shot from a rebound in the 51st minute. Afterwards, there was an even game, with occasional threats after set pieces but no goals scored. In the 90th minute, Ponomarenko had a chance, but his shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Ultimately, our boys secured a narrow victory — 1:0.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

The next friendly match will be against Norway U-20 on March 25 (kickoff at 14:00 Kyiv time).

Friendship Match of the Youth National Team

March 22, 2025

Ukraine (U-20) — Northern Ireland (U-21) — 1:0 (0:0)

Goal: Chaban (51).

Ukraine: Voloshin (Voronov, 46), Gusiev (Droz, 46), Kyrichok (Yermachkov, 61), Ogarkov (Zakharchenko, 46), Dityar (Veranattus, 46), Melnychenko (Vashtenko, 46), Chaban (Salenko, 61), Budko (Karaman, 46), Shah (Godia, 61), Zadorozhnyi (Ponomarenko, 46), Gadzhiev (Matveevich, 46).

Northern Ireland (starting lineup): MacMullan, Fogarty, McDonnell, Dogerty, Kelly, Glenfield, Robinson, McStravick, Falls, Barr, McCann.

Yellow cards: Gusiev (43), Ponomarenko (82) — Dogerty (43).