Nestory Irankunda Delivers Triumph for Australia in Intense Exhibition Match with Canada
Young talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the second fixture in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a stellar display to lead the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada.
Game Summary
After a dull first half dominated by the hosts, the Australian side improved with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half.
Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, including a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory.
NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥
🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺
Key Highlights
- In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the danger.
- Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
- During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
- Even with pressure from Canada, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.
Post-Interval Turnaround
Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot.
Changes in the 57th minute brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who shot off target.
Later, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.
During the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, 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 zone.
When a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third strike.
Final Drama
Although failing to score a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's late saves.
Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle.
During a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win.
Next Steps
Having now secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.
