Nestory Irankunda Earns Triumph for the Socceroos in Heated Friendly Clash with Canada

Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the second fixture in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding display to help the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada.

Fixture Overview

Following a uneventful first half controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the introduction of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key stops, including a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the disciplined Australian defense held firm, restricting opportunities before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.

Changes in the second half injected immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who shot off target.

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

During the closing stages, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Decisive Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a promising area.

As a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third strike.

Late Action

Despite unable to add a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late heroics.

Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle.

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

Looking Ahead

Having already secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.