The former Linfield attacker came off the bench and pounced in the 88th minute to stun the hosts in Euro 2025 Qualifying Round Group 11.
It was a welcome result for Northern Ireland at the Elbasan Arena after they had suffered defeats to Denmark and Israel in their first two games.
Despite the victory Gareth McAuley’s side bowed out of this season’s competition.
They finished third in their group. Table toppers Denmark defeated second-placed Israel to make it three wins out of three.
Defenders Matthew Orr and Conor Haughey plus midfielder Callum Burnside and attacker Ryan Corrigan came in to the starting eleven, with defenders Keevan Hawthorne and Josh Briggs dropping out along with midfielders Cole Brannigan and Dylan Stitt.
Paul McGovern came close to breaking the deadlock in the second half as Northern Ireland created more chances.
As the game was drifting towards a scoreless stalemate, super sub Graham fired in the winner.
Ergis Arifi smashed an effort against the post as Northern Ireland held on to secure the win.
Albania: Taho, Prendi, Marinaj, Perndreca, Kurti (captain), Dama, Jaku, Vranici, Nuredini, Tosku, Arifi. Substitutes: (used) Dervishi (GK), Kashari, Belloj, Hasani, Bakiu; (unused) Sulejmani, Marinaj.
Northern Ireland: Munn, Devine, Orr, Haughey, Atcheson, J Doherty (captain), Burnside, Corrigan, O’Neill, Turley, McGovern. Substitutes: (used) Graham, Brannigan, McClure; (unused) Metcalf (GK), Hawthorne, Stitt, A Doherty.
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Publish date : 2024-11-20 01:01:00
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