Goals from Edwin Agbaje, Glory Nzingo and Thomas Lonergan saw Paul Osam’s team end the tournament on a high securing a medal place in the 3rd/4th playoff. The young Irish side were also awarded the Fair Play trophy for picking up the fewest yellow cards in the tournament (two).
Ireland were ahead after 16 minutes through Shamrock Rovers' forward Agbaje. Lonergan did well to beat his man out wide and he slipped a ball to Agbaje who took a first touch to set himself before delivering a great strike in the top right-hand corner of the net.
Albania had a chance to equalise six minutes later when Redi Kacanolli struck a low effort that was well saved by Reece Byrne to keep Ireland in front.
Ireland could have gone two up shortly after when Nzingo picked out Dara McGuinness to put him through on goal but the striker’s effort struck the post as Paul Osam’s side continued to press.
On half time Albanian keeper Simon Simoni pulled off a great save to keep the scoreline down. Cian Kelly’s free-kick fell to Agbaje who was able to get a strike away but Simoni wasn’t to be beaten.
Two minutes into the second half McGuinness had the ball in the net but it was ruled out by the referee for a push on the goalkeeper.
But they didn’t have to wait long for their second and it came in the 51st minute following good pressing from Ireland. Nzingo capitalised on the mistake at the back from the Albanian defence and he was able to collect the ball and cooly slot home.
Ireland had chances to go further ahead through Lonergan, who had effort go wide, and Power, who forced the keeper into another save.
They got their third goal in the final minutes of the game following good work from Jack O’Reilly to beat his man and get his shot away but Lonergan was on hand to tap in from the rebound to give Ireland a convincing victory and finish the tournament in third,
Republic of Ireland: Byrne; Nevin, Ryan (Killane 77), Grehan (C) (Aaron O’Reilly 77), Abankwah (Barrett 72); Kelly (Jack O’Reilly 61), Abada, Nzingo (Curtis 72); McGuinness (Power 61), Agbaje, Lonergan.
Albania: Simoni (GK), Halili, Cela, Stafa, Pano, Kote (C), Beluli, Tahiri, Miftari, Blakqori, Selimi
Substitutes: Lena (GK), Kacanolli, Neziri, Bajraktari, Cereni, Musai, Deda, Kraja.
Aegean Cup results
January 15: Ireland 1-0 Tanzania
January 17: Turkey 1-0 Ireland
January 19: Ireland 4-0 Kosovo
January 21: Ireland 3-0 Albania