AFCB

Club news

Mepham helps Wales to valuable point

Chris Mepham and Wales came from behind to secure a valuable World Cup qualification point in Czech Republic.

The defender started in Prague in a 2-2 draw, playing 86 minutes before being replaced by Leeds United forward Tyler Roberts.

Aaron Ramsey opened the scoring for Wales in the 36th minute with a clever finish but Jakub Pesek was alert in the box to level the scoring just two minutes later.

Wales had the better of the chances in the first half but a Danny Ward own-goal early in the second half put the home team ahead. However, Dan James slotted home in the 69th minute to earn a vital point.

Orjan Nyland made his second successive World Cup qualifier appearance for Norway as he started in goal against Turkey.

The shot-stopper had only made one appearance since 2018 prior to his inclusion in the 5-1 win over Gibraltar in September and manager Stale Solbakken kept faith in the Cherries man.

Turkey made the dream start when Kerem Akturkoglu scored after just six minutes, but Kristian Thorstvedt equalised just before half-time to secure a point for Norway.

Nyland’s Norway are sat in second place in group G, just two points behind leaders Netherlands.

Gavin Kilkenny continued to impress for Republic of Ireland’s under-21s in a comfortable 2-0 win over Luxembourg.

It was their first home game in-front of supporters in over two years and goals from Joshua Kayode and Conor Coventry secured the win.

This appearance marked Gavin Kilkenny’s 12th cap for the under-21s, who have made a decent start to 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification with two wins and a draw from their opening three matches.