Irankunda Earns Win for Australia in Heated Friendly Clash with the Canadian side

Young sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a superb display to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Overview

Following a uneventful opening period dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos came to life with the arrival of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, including a brilliant intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the wing.
• Despite dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Australian defense held firm, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

Early into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

During the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Winning Moment

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous zone.

As a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international goal.

Late Drama

Despite failing to score a second goal, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late saves.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

In a heated conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.

Looking Ahead

Having already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game set in Colorado next.