Nestory Irankunda Secures Win for Australia in Intense Exhibition Match with Canada

Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a stellar performance to help the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Overview

Following a uneventful first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side improved with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, made key stops, including a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Moments

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Even with dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian backline held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Post-Interval Improvement

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

Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

In the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Decisive Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the striker cut the ball back into a promising zone.

When a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third strike.

Late Drama

Although failing to add a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

During a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to seal the result.

Next Steps

Having now secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.