Issaka and Hatch Help Wales Under-17s to Qualification

Freddie Issaka and Joe Hatch played their parts as Wales Under-17s sealed qualification for the upcoming UEFA European Under-17s Championships.

The two Argyle Academy prospects were called up for three games on Welsh soil, starting with a game on Wednesday, 22 March, against Scotland, at Newport County’s Rodney Parade. Both Freddie and Joe came on as second-half substitutes in a 4-2 victory for Wales. The game’s final goal, in the 88th minute, was recorded as an own goal, although Issaka had taken the initial shot which was deflected.

On Saturday, at Dragon Park, Wales’ development centre, they drew 1-1 with Iceland, with Freddie again a second-half sub. On Tuesday, in the final qualifier, Wales fell 2-0 down to Montenegro, but fought back to draw 2-2, and seal qualification by a point in dramatic fashion. Issaka played the whole 90 minutes in the crucial tie.

The finals take place in Hungary during the upcoming close season. Wales Under-17s will be the first age group side to represent Wales in a major tournament since 1981.

Argyle Academy Manager Phil Stokes said: “We have been monitoring Freddie and Joe’s fixtures with Wales Under-17s over the last seven days and we are pleased they have managed to qualify for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in May. 

"Both players have contributed in helping Wales to qualify, and will have gained a lot from the experience of playing international football in a competitive tournament."