The teenage star Earns Triumph for Australia in Heated Exhibition Encounter with the Canadian side
Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the second match in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a superb performance to help the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada.
Game Overview
Following a uneventful opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.
Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced several saves, including a spectacular effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.
NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥
🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺
Key Highlights
- In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to avert the danger.
- Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
- Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
- Even with pressure from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, limiting chances before the break.
Post-Interval Turnaround
Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.
Substitutions in the second half injected instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who fired off target.
Later, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.
During the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the situation.
Winning Goal
Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous zone.
When a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third goal.
Late Action
Despite failing to score a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late saves.
Tempers flared in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.
During a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.
Next Steps
Having already secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.
