The teenage star Secures Triumph for Australia in Intense Exhibition Clash with the Canadian side
Young sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a outstanding performance to guide the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.
Fixture Overview
Following a slow first half dominated by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.
Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, made several stops, featuring a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.
NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥
🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺
Key Moments
- In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to avert the threat.
- Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
- During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing.
- Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Australian defense stood strong, limiting chances before the break.
Post-Interval Shift
Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt.
Substitutions in the second half injected immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who shot wide.
Later, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot high.
In the closing stages, following a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the situation.
Decisive Goal
Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a promising area.
When a Canadian defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third international goal.
Final Action
Despite failing to add a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late saves.
Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a fracas.
In a heated conclusion, 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 readiness with friendlies against Canada and the United States, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.