Wales lost their 100 per cent record in Euro 2025 qualifying as Kayleigh Barton's second-half penalty prevented defeat to Ukraine in Llanelli . Barton's spot-kick secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw after Veronika Andrukhiv had fired Ukraine ahead inside three minutes. Only two places separated the countries in the FIFA world rankings, with Wales placed at 32 and Ukraine 34.
Wales had started the Rhian Wilkinson era with 4-0 and 6-0 qualifying wins over Croatia and Kosovo last month and were seeking to build on that early momentum in the chase for a play-off place in the autumn. Ukraine were second seeds behind the Dragons when the group was drawn but travelled to west Wales on the back of a surprise loss to Croatia. The visitors profited from the opening attack, with Wales the architects of their own downfall to concede for the first time in five games.
Rhiannon Roberts, having received a return pass from goalkeeper Olivia Clark, passed it straight to Andrukhiv, who found an unguarded net from 20 yards with aplomb. Wales responded positively with some smart link-up play that saw Ceri Holland release Jess Fishlock through on goal. But Fishlock, scorer of 42 international goals, delayed her shot and Olha Basanska blocked.
Holland was the next home player to break beyond the Ukraine defence. The Liverpool attacker shifted the ball neatly around keeper Daria Keliushyk but was unable to find a waiting red shirt in the middle. Fishlock saw a rasping 20-yard effort tipped over by the at.
