Ireland football heads into a crucial World Cup playoff in Kazakhstan on Friday, with Chloe Mustaki prepared to take on extra responsibility in the absence of Katie McCabe. The Republic of Ireland squad faces a demanding test in Astana, both on the pitch and after a lengthy journey east.
Mustaki ready to adapt for Ireland
McCabe’s suspension has removed one of Ireland’s most influential players from the first leg of the playoff semi-final. Denise O’Sullivan is also absent, while Marissa Sheva is suspended, leaving Carla Ward without several experienced options.
Mustaki has become an important part of the Ireland defence over the past year, establishing herself at left centre-back while McCabe operated further forward. With the Arsenal player unavailable, the Nottingham Forest defender could be asked to move into a different position.
She is comfortable across the back line and says she is ready to play wherever the management team believes she can make the biggest contribution.
“Whatever role that is, I’m ready to step up to it,” Mustaki said. “I’m pretty flexible, wing-back, full-back, centre-back. I’m happy to play all positions.”
Leadership needed in World Cup playoff
The challenge for Ireland is not limited to replacing McCabe’s quality. The team must also compensate for the leadership and communication usually provided by some of its most experienced players.
Mustaki believes her voice on the pitch can help organise the defence, alongside players such as Patsy, Caitlin Hayes and whoever else is selected in the back line. She also pointed to the depth of experience among Ireland’s younger players, including Jessie Stapleton, Jess Ziu and Abbie Larkin.
That blend of senior influence and emerging talent will be essential in a fixture that could be shaped by small details. Ireland will need to defend patiently, manage the unfamiliar conditions and take their opportunities when they arise.
A demanding trip to Astana
The squad arrived in Kazakhstan on Monday following a journey of approximately ten and a half hours. Ward has acknowledged that player management will be important before kick-off, with recovery time and training carefully balanced.
Mustaki said the group remains in good spirits and has been well looked after since arriving. The defender admitted that she was initially delighted when Kazakhstan emerged as Ireland’s opponent because of the team’s ranking, but a closer look has revealed a more complicated assignment.
“Looking into the journey and obviously now having looked at how they play and the type of opposition that they are, it’s been more of a challenge than obviously initially expected,” she said.
Mustaki enjoying strong club and country form
The 31-year-old is also approaching the playoff in confident form. She has consolidated her place in the Ireland setup and has become a key figure for Nottingham Forest, with the club’s performances improving since her return from injury.
Staying fit has been central to that progress. Mustaki says experience has taught her to understand her body better and to take a more professional approach to recovery and preparation.
She is also part of an ambitious Forest project, with the club aiming to progress from WSL 2 towards WSL 1. That ambition mirrors her own desire to continue developing at club level while remaining a dependable option for Ireland.
What to watch against Kazakhstan
- How Ireland replace McCabe’s attacking and defensive influence on the left.
- Whether Mustaki starts in defence or is moved into a wider role.
- How the Irish team handles the long-distance travel and unfamiliar conditions.
- Whether Ireland’s younger players can contribute under playoff pressure.
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When is the Ireland v Kazakhstan playoff?
Ireland face Kazakhstan in the first leg of their World Cup playoff semi-final on Friday, October 9. Kick-off is scheduled for 12pm Irish time, with the match live on RTÉ 2.
The result will provide the first major indication of which side is best placed to reach the next stage. Ireland will want to return home with a positive scoreline before the decisive second leg.
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The next step for Ireland
McCabe’s absence creates a clear selection problem, but it also gives Mustaki and Ireland’s wider squad an opportunity to show their adaptability. If the defender can provide calm organisation and leadership, Ireland may be better equipped to navigate a difficult opening leg.
The focus now turns to the team selection, the response to the journey and the first 90 minutes in Astana. Ireland’s World Cup ambitions begin with finding a way through adversity.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
