Nestory Irankunda Earns Triumph for Australia in Heated Exhibition Match with the Canadian side

Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a superb display to help the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Summary

After a uneventful opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, including a spectacular effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the danger.
• Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Australian defense held firm, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Shift

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a impressive run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Changes in the second half brought immediate impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Soon after, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar.

In the closing stages, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation.

Decisive Moment

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the striker pulled the ball back into a promising area.

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

Final Action

Although failing to score a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result.

Next Steps

With already secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.