Latvia U21 1-2 Republic of Ireland U21: Jim Crawford's side maintain winning start to Euro 2025 qualifying
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Oko-Flex celebrates scoring the Republic of Ireland's opener against Latvia
A brace from FC Zurich's Armstrong Oko-Flex helped the Republic of Ireland to defeat Latvia 2-1 in their U21 Euro 2025 qualifier in Jelgava.
Oko-Flex opened the scoring on 15 minutes before adding a second before the hour mark.
Jim Crawford's men had plenty of chances to further extend their lead before Lukkas Vapne pulled a goal back for Latvia in injury time.
The result sees the Republic top Group A after three games.
After a promising start from the away side, Oko-Flex, who was making his first start at this age group, volleyed home the opener into the top corner.
Bosun Lawal had headed against the crossbar from Matt Healy's delivery with Oko-Flex reacting quickest on the rebound to turn the ball home.
Tony Springett then called Latvian goalkeeper Janis Beks into action on 19 minutes as he pushed the winger's low strike away from goal.
Beks then had to beat away a strong effort from Sinclair Armstrong, with the striker then hitting the base of the post with a deft flick from Springett's cross on the half hour.
The Republic continued to press for a second goal after the break and were rewarded on 57 minutes when Springett embarked on a driving run before finding Oko-Flex in the box, who found the top corner with the help of a deflection.
Oko-Flex almost turned provider three minutes later as, after a neat exchange with James Furlong, he picked out Andrew Moran, who was denied by a sprawling save from Beks.
Beks continued to thwart the Republic as they looked to extend their advantage as he saved low shots from substitutes Zak Gilsenan and Aidomo Emakhu.
The home side pulled a goal back on 92 minutes against the run of play with a precise low finish from Vapne from range, but the Republic held on for their third successive Group A win.