The teenage star Delivers Victory for Australia in Heated Exhibition Match with the Canadian side

Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a stellar display to guide the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Fixture Summary

Following a dull first half controlled by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key stops, including a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Actions

• During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to avert the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the disciplined Socceroos defense held firm, restricting opportunities before the break.

Second Half Improvement

Early into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot.

Changes in the 57th minute injected instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who fired wide.

Later, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar.

In the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the danger.

Winning Moment

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

When a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international goal.

Late Action

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

Emotions flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle.

In a heated final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

With now qualified for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.