Megan Bell's penalty was in vain as Northern Ireland slipped to a controversial 2-1 defeat by Turkey in their World Cup qualifier in Istanbul.
Bell converted an equaliser from the spot after a blatant handball on the goal line by Turkey forward Busem Seker just before half-time.
Seker somehow avoided a red card, and then popped up with the winner in the second half.
Michael McArdle’s side are already assured of a play-off spot but remain third in the group, now four points behind their hosts.
Goalkeeper Jackie Burns made two superb saves to keep out headers from Selen Altunkulak and Seker, but she had no chance in the 26th minute when Melike Pekel curled an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
The visitors were awarded their penalty when Fi Morgan bundled the ball goalwards and Seker swatted it off the line.
Seker escaped with a yellow card, much to Northern Ireland’s surprise, before Bell dispatched the spot-kick.
The winner came moments after half-time when Burns’ clearance was charged down by Altunkulak, who kept the ball in play before crossing for Seker to head in at the far post.
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Source: RTE
