The teenage star Secures Win for Australia in Heated Friendly Clash with the Canadian side

Young talent Nestory Irankunda scored for the second match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a superb performance to lead the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada.

Fixture Breakdown

Following a dull first half dominated by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the introduction of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of skipper Maty Ryan, made several saves, featuring a spectacular effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight victory.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Highlights

• In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked.
• During the first half, the Australians found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, limiting chances before the break.

Post-Interval Improvement

Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive run, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Changes in the second half injected instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and setting up Toure, who shot wide.

Later, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar.

In the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the situation.

Winning Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous area.

As a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third international goal.

Late Action

Although unable to score a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's late saves.

Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win.

Next Steps

Having already secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.