Ibrahimović double sees Sweden down Moldova

• Zlatan Ibrahimović double secures win in Stadionul Zimbru for Sweden
• Freak opener comes within seconds of second half commencing
• Late penalty seals points to keep Swedes second in Group G behind Austria 
• Andreas Granqvist's added-time dismissal only low note for visitors
• Next games: Liechtenstein v Moldova, Sweden v Montengro (14 June)

A freak goal in Chisinau helped Sweden to all three points against bottom-of-the-section Moldova as Erik Hamrén's side cemented themselves in second place in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group G.

Moldova goalkeeper Ilie Cebanu's clearance struck the head of Zlatan Ibrahimović and flew into an empty net in the opening moments of the second half to stun the home crowd before the Swedish captain made things safe late on with a resounding penalty. With group leaders Austria also winning, the result means the undefeated Swedes stay four points off the summit, while the hosts remain on a solitary point.

It was an even opening but the visitors' quality began to show as the half wore on. Isaac Kiese Thelin failed to connect cleanly with a free header, before an outstretched Cebanu prevented Erkan Zengin's shot curling into the corner. Ibrahimović's deft touch played in Kiese Thelin again but Cebanu pulled off another great stop before the skipper powered a header a whisker over.

A huge slice of good fortune gave Sweden their breakthrough within 20 seconds of the restart. Under minimal pressure Cebanu hit his clearance against the head of a closing-down Ibrahimović and the ball sailed into an unguarded goal from 25 metres. Kiese Thelin thrashed wide from an angle and Ibrahimović slid an attempt across goal as the Swedes pushed for a second. Cebanu then kept out a rocket of an Ibrahimović free-kick and saved brilliantly at the feet of Emil Forsberg, but Vadim Bolohan brought down the No6 in the area and Ibrahimović hammered his 84th-minute spot kick into the roof of the net to clinch the points.