Qatar 1-1 Republic of Ireland - Kenny's search for win continues

1. Republic of Ireland draw with Qatar in friendly
2. McClean scores with deflected close-range strike
3. Qatar equalise through Muntari's low drive early in second half
4. World Cup hosts Qatar in WC qualifying group on 'friendly' basis

Daryl Horgan sweeps the ball forward as he falls after challenging for possession and does well to find Jeff Hendrick but he is flagged just offside.

Qatar are pressured into a poor back pass by Cyrus Christie and Shane Long is onto it. He shoots first time but Saad Al Sheeb has it covered.

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Saad Al Sheeb punches away a swirling Daryl Horgan free kick aimed towards the back stick.

Stephen Kenny has a big smile on his face, enjoying a rare moment of the pressure being off a bit.

World Cup qualifying latest

No sooner have we finished telling you that Belgium are 1-0 up, they go and double their lead over Belarus.

Club Bruges player Hans Vanaken has netted their second.

Republic of Ireland are forced into an early change because Robbie Brady has picked up an injury.

He hobbles off the pitch and is replaced by Troy Parrott.

World Cup qualifying latest

There has been a goal elsewhere in Group E. Belgium lead against Belarus and it is Crystal Palace (on loan from Chelsea) striker Michy Batshuayi with the goal.

The only other goal so far in the 19:45 BST kick-offs in World Cup qualifying has been scored by Kenan Karaman to give Turkey the lead against Latvia in Group G. Turkey are looking to make it three wins out of three in pursuit of a spot in Qatar.

CLOSE!

Ooh, not far off for Qatar!

Pedro Miguel swings in a cross and the lively Almoez Ali gets in-between the Republic of Ireland defence but powers a header wide of the upright.

Shane Long tries to play James McClean through the middle but the ball is just behind the Stoke midfielder.

No shots on target yet for Qatar but possession wise they are holding their own and it has been pretty even. Stephen Kenny would welcome another goal sooner rather than later to settle the nerves.

Karim Boudiaf tries to get into the box from the right but James McClean defends well to snuff out the opportunity.

Republic of Ireland then go up the other end and almost add a second when Shane Long's cross is diverted towards his own goal by a Qatar player but Saad Al Sheeb manages to push behind.

Things have settled down after a lively opening few minutes.

Republic of Ireland are passing the ball around confidently, players making themselves available. They are clearly determined to put on a performance as well as get a positive result.

NO PENALTY

Overturned!

The referee goes over to consult with the linesman and overturns his original decision to award a penalty, and instead it is a free kick on the edge of the box.

It's the right decision because the foul was just outside the area.

PENALTY TO QATAR

Crikey. A dramatic start to this one.

Gavin Bazunu comes flying out and fouls Pedro Miguel - it looks outside the box but a penalty is given.

GOAL - Qatar 0-1 Republic of Ireland

Great start by the Republic of Ireland!

Just the start they and boss Stephen Kenny need as James McClean marks his 80th cap with a goal.

It comes from a well-worked short corner that is played low into the area and McClean sweeps in via a slight deflection.

Dream start.

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A decent early attack by the Republic of Ireland as Shane Long gets in behind. His cross is cleared to Jeff Hendrick on the edge of the area and his shot is a good one but a Qatar player gets in the way.

KICK-OFF

Republic of Ireland get things under way.

The players are out on the pitch and we've just had the national anthems.

Almost time for kick off.

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