At Aviva Stadium, the Republic of Ireland defeated Latvia 3-2 thanks to a goal from in-form teenage striker Evan Ferguson, who also scored his first goal for Ireland.

 At Aviva Stadium, the Republic of Ireland defeated Latvia 3-2 thanks to a goal from in-form teenage striker Evan Ferguson, who also scored his first goal for Ireland.

The Republic of Ireland defeated Latvia 3-2 in a friendly at Aviva Stadium thanks to the debut goal of young, hotshot attacker Evan Ferguson.

Prior to Brighton's Ferguson scoring from close range to open his Ireland account halfway through the first half, Callum O'Dowda had given the hosts the lead.

In first-half stoppage time, Arturs Zjuzins and Roberts Uldrikis both scored goals to tie the score.

Second-half goal by substitute Chiedozie Ogbene seals victory.

After his goal-scoring prowess in Brighton's breakthrough season, Ferguson was the centre of attention when he made his first senior start in an Irish jersey.

The 18-year-old, who Danny Murphy dubbed a "superstar" after scoring twice to advance Brighton to the FA Cup semifinals, responded quickest to Michael Obafemi's cutback to start the play.The 17-minute mark in Dublin saw the loudest shout of the evening.

With his goal, Ferguson broke Robbie Keane's record for the Republic as the team's youngest scorer.

Ferguson leads the way as the Republic defeats Latvia as it happened.

The striking partners had contributed to the Irish goal just five minutes, when Cardiff's O'Dowda sprinted in to head home a first-time ball that debutant Will Smallbone had whipped in.

Ferguson, encouraged by his goal, nearly doubled his total when his effort from a close angle was deflected into the sidenetting by Antonijs Cernomordijs, but the hosts failed to take advantage of other opportunities to extend their lead.

As a result of the Republic's lack of a cutting edge, Latvia took advantage of attempts by Alan Browne, O'Dowda, and Smallbone.

Vladislavs Gutkovskis had declined to do so.Having gotten in behind the home defence, Uldrikis had a fantastic opportunity, but Stephen Kenny's was ultimately punished when Uldrikis' 25-yard screamer soared past the defenceless Caoimhin Kelleher and into the top corner.

The Latvian goal briefly quieted the home crowd, but they were shocked in first-half injury time when Zjuzins' low shot soared off the soggy turf, took a deflection off Nathan Collins, and, to add insult to injury for the Republic, took a touch off Kelleher on its way to the top corner.

The impact of Ogbene is immediate.

Gutkovskis missed a good opportunity to give Latvia the lead less than a minute into the second half.

Despite the Latvian comeback, Ferguson, still full of confidence, nearly missed with a shot from 25 yards, and Uldrikis made an effort to Nonetheless, Kelleher was able to match his first-half effort.

In the 64th minute of the second half, Ogbene and Mikey Johnston, who had switched allegiances from Scotland, were introduced for their first appearances.

After Johnston made a driving run towards the Latvian defence 45 seconds after entering the game, he hit the post, and Ogbene was the first to respond by tapping the ball into the open goal.

Ferguson was given a standing ovation when, after growing weary and taking a few hits, he was substituted by Troy Parrott with 18 minutes remaining.

Johnston made a good impression on the Irish crowd with his energetic play, which he nearly completed with a goal after some amazing footwork, but the Latvian defence successfully stopped him.Although there were several positives in the victory, most notably Ferguson, Smallbone, and Johnston, manager Kenny is aware that his team needs to get better before the Republic of Ireland's inaugural Euro 2024 qualifying match on Monday against World Cup champions France.

Given that Gibraltar, the Netherlands, and Greece make up Group B, the Irish are underdogs to make it to the finals.