Slovakia arrived full of confidence after a shock 2-0 win over Germany and a 1-0 victory in Luxembourg had put it top of the standings, but it fell behind to an own goal in the 18th minute.

Patrik Hrosovsky turned the ball into his own net from an Ethan Galbraith low cross in the box and the lead was no more than the home side deserved after a bright start.

Slovakia never looked like getting back into the game and Trai Hume's first international goal nine minutes from time wrapped up the win at a jubilant Windsor Park.

The visitor's keeper punched the ball away from his area but Hume was there to send a stunning side-footed volley to the net and set up a mouth-watering clash with Germany in Belfast on Tuesday (AEDT).

"The keeper has come to clear it, and I just had to guide it towards the goal and thankfully I did," Hume said.

"It was a great night, good performance and the most important thing is the three points. I think we deserved it."

Germany's 4-0 win over Luxembourg moves it to the top of the group on six points, ahead on goal difference of Northern Ireland and Slovakia.

The group winner qualifies automatically with the runner-up advancing to the play-offs.