The teenage star Secures Victory for Australia in Intense Exhibition Clash with Canada

Promising talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a stellar display to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Summary

Following a slow first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, featuring a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Highlights

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Australian backline stood strong, limiting chances before the break.

Second Half Improvement

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Changes in the second half injected instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target.

Later, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

During the 70th minute, after a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

When a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third international goal.

Final Action

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

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

In a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Next Steps

Having now secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.