Republic of Ireland 2-2 Belgium: Ogbene's brilliant goal and assist earns draw for hosts

Roberto Martinez’s Belgium are in danger of losing their long-held status as the world’s No1-ranked team because of a player from Rotherham United. Ireland drew 2-2 with Belgium at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday afternoon Michy Batshuayi gave the visitors the lead firing past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher Ogbene, the first African-born player to represent Ireland, scored with a brilliant overhead kick and his assist was just as good – sprinting to keep the ball in play and crossing for substitute Alan Browne to head an 85th-minute equaliser. Sometimes being brave means keeping the ball.’ Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was up against current Reds No.2 Kelleher Ogbene plays wing-back for Rotherham but three international goals already justifies manager Stephen Kenny using him as a forward. Belgium led after 12 minutes when Hans Vanaken fed Michy Batshuayi and the Chelsea striker, currently on loan to Besiktas, showed a deft touch to cut inside Irish skipper Seamus Coleman and an even better one to drill a curled finish beyond Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. Hans Vanaken headed Belgium back in to the lead on Saturday in front of a packaged Aviva Alan Browne headed home five minutes from the end as they gave finished all square Instead of gasping for oxygen, he immediately produced a stunning first-time cross that invited substitute Alan Browne of Preston to head home from six yards.