Germany booked their place in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship final after a dramatic stoppage-time winner secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ukraine in Wrexham.

The semi-final appeared destined for extra time before captain Francis Onyeka emerged as Germany’s hero, scoring deep into added time to send his side into their first U-19 EURO final since winning the competition in 2014.

The opening half offered few clear-cut chances, but Ukraine struck first in the 43rd minute with their first effort on target. Vitaliy Hlyut climbed above the German defence to head home an inviting cross from Nikita Kaliuzhnyi and hand his side a valuable lead.

Germany responded almost immediately before the break through the impressive Otto Stange, who produced a moment of individual brilliance by weaving past two defenders before calmly curling his effort into the bottom corner to level the scores.

The Germans controlled much of the second half, dominating possession and creating the better opportunities, but Ukraine’s disciplined defence frustrated their attacking efforts for long periods.

Stange came agonisingly close to completing his brace in the 88th minute, only for Yehor Sherstiuk to make a superb last-ditch challenge and preserve parity.

However, Germany finally found the decisive breakthrough in stoppage time when Onyeka reacted quickest inside the penalty area to fire home from close range, sparking jubilant celebrations among the German players and supporters.

The victory sends Germany into the championship match for the first time in 12 years as they continue their quest to reclaim the UEFA Under-19 European title last won in 2014.