Irankunda Delivers Victory for Australia in Heated Exhibition Match with the Canadian side

Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a superb performance to guide the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Game Overview

Following a dull first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced several saves, featuring a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the first half, the Australians struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, limiting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

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

Soon after, Miller sent in a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted over the bar.

In the 70th minute, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Decisive Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward pulled the ball back into a promising zone.

When a opposition player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third international goal.

Final Action

Although failing to add a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a spiteful conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to secure the result.

Next Steps

With now qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a game set in Colorado next.