🔗 Share this article Irankunda Earns Win for Australia in Intense Friendly Clash with Canada Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second match in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar performance to guide the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 result over Canada. Match Overview Following a slow first half dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the arrival of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half. Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple stops, including a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win. NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Notable Actions During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the threat. Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked. Throughout the first half, the Australians struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank. Even with pressure from the hosts, the organized Australian backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the break. Second Half Shift Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive run, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot. Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who fired off target. Soon after, Miller sent in a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot high. During the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the situation. Winning Moment Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous zone. As a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to score his third goal. Final Drama Although unable to add a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics. Tempers flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle. In a heated conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo held firm to secure the result. Next Steps Having now qualified for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado next.