November international round-up

Freddie Issaka has helped take his Welsh side one step closer to a place at next year’s Under-19s European Championship. 

The first qualification round for the tournament took place during the November international window, in which Wales were tasked with finishing in the top two of a group that contained France, Scotland, and Liechtenstein. 

In the opener against Scotland, who acted as the host nation for these particular group matches, Issaka assisted the game’s only goal, crossing low and well for Gabriele Biancheri to tap into the net. 

After a full 90-minute shift in the first match, Issaka only played half an hour in a 2-1 loss to group favourites France, before a 70-minute stint as Wales dispatched Liechtenstein 5-0. 

The young Welsh side finished second, behind France, and progress to the Elite Round, where they will compete for one of the seven remaining spots at next year’s competition. 

Darko Gyabi had a week to remember, making his England Under-21 debut against Spain, in a goalless draw. 

The midfielder had been called up for the Under-20 side, but injuries in the senior squad meant a promotion for the 20-year-old. 

After 13 minutes off the bench against Spain, Gyabi was a substitute again as England drew 1-1 with the Netherlands, coming on in the 73rd minute. 

Mustapha Bundu and Sierra Leone were knocked out of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations. 

The Leone Stars needed two wins to stand a chance of progressing from the group, but drew 1-1 with Chad and suffered a 2-0 defeat to group winners Zambia. 

There was good news for Brendan Galloway and Zimbabwe, who reached the AFCON finals for the sixth time. 

The defender was not involved in their final qualifiers due to injury, but watched from afar as his nation wrapped up second place in Group J. 

Victor Palsson and Iceland will face a relegation play-off in March to retain their spot in UEFA Nations League B. 

The defender was subbed on in the first half of a 2-0 win over Montenegro, and played the full 90 minutes in their must-win tie against Wales, but fell to a 4-1 defeat. 

Kornel Szucs was an unused substitute in both of Hungary’s League A matches, a 4-0 loss to the Netherlands and 1-1 draw with Germany. Hungary will also face a play-off in March to retain their position in the top-tier.