🔗 Share this article

Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second game in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to lead the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Match Summary

Following a slow first half controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple saves, including a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Notable Actions

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to clear the danger.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos defense held firm, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.

Changes in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who shot wide.

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

In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the situation.

Winning Moment

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

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

Final Action

Despite failing to score a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics.

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.

During a heated final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to seal the win.

Next Steps

With already qualified for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.