The Republic of Ireland women’s team are facing an expensive trip to Astana in October for the semi-final of their World Cup play-off against Kazakhstan. Travel expert Eoghan Corry reckons that it may cost anything between €70k and €115k to charter a 50-seater plane for the first leg on Oct. 7. Manager Carla Ward said: ‘‘Logistically, it’s going to cause us a few problems with time difference as well. Kazakhstan finished second in their group, two wins, one draw, one defeat. They have to come back to Dublin and will also suffer from the time difference. But it is about getting back and preparing for that second game against the lowest-ranked team in the play-off draw.” Play-off dates are: Round 1 v Kazakhstan, Oct. 7 and 13. Play-off Round 2 v Belgium or Poland, Nov. 26 and Dec. 5.
Meanwhile new Athlone Town manager Lily Agg, who featured at Ireland’s first World Cup final appearance in 2023, will come up against North Macedonia club ZFK Skopje 2014 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off. Czarni of Poland or Georgia club WFC Nike await if they qualify for the final.
