Indeed, the visitors barely emerged from the first half unscathed. Jayson Molumby produced a superb goalline clearance to deny Muriqi before the Fenerbahce frontmen drew a flying save from Caoimhin Kelleher.
There was nothing Kelleher could do to stop Muriqi in the closing stages, however, as he headed home to spark joyous celebrations at Fadil Vokrri Stadium.
In contrast, the Republic of Ireland offered little going forward with Troy Parrott, whose goals powered Hallgrimsson’s side to the World Cup play-offs, a peripheral figure outside of his back-post header early in the second half which was easily saved.
That was after Ogbene – who scored the equaliser in a friendly draw with World Cup co-hosts Canada in June – spurned a great chance in the opening half.
Left to reflect on another Nations League defeat, the Republic of Ireland now switch focus to Sunday’s game with Israel in Hungary (19:45 BST), the preparations for which include a squad meeting on Friday to discuss how they will approach the contentious fixture.
“I couldn’t say now, it’s difficult to measure that one,” Hallgrimsson said when asked if the intense focus on the Israel games had contributed to a poor performance in Pristina.