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O’Brien plays full game as Republic of Ireland suffer late Kosovo defeat

Jake O’Brien played the full 90 minutes as the Republic of Ireland began their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Kosovo in Pristina. The Everton defender started on the right of Ireland’s back three, with James Abankwah…

By Gary Gowers · Read Everton

Published: Friday, 25 September 2026 at 7:30 AM

Key Things to Know

Kosovo defeated the Republic of Ireland 1-0 in their UEFA Nations League clash in Pristina.
Vedat Muriqi scored the decisive winning goal for Kosovo in the 83rd minute.
Everton defender Jake O'Brien played the entire 90 minutes in a five-man defence.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Everton defender Jake O'Brien played the full 90 minutes as the Republic of Ireland suffered a 1-0 defeat to Kosovo in their UEFA Nations League opener in Pristina. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson deployed O'Brien on the right of a five-man defensive line alongside wing-back James Abankwah.

Kosovo dominated much of the contest, with Vedat Muriqi eventually scoring the winning goal in the 83rd minute by heading in a rebound off Ermal Krasniqi's shot. Ireland and O'Brien will look to rebound in their next Nations League match against Israel.

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O’Brien plays full game as Republic of Ireland suffer late Kosovo defeat

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