🔗 Share this article Irankunda Delivers Triumph for the Socceroos in Intense Friendly Match with the Canadian side Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive game in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a superb performance to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada. Match Overview After a dull opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute. Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made several saves, featuring a spectacular intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight win. NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Key Highlights During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to clear the threat. Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked. During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank. Despite pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian defense stood strong, limiting opportunities before the halftime. Post-Interval Turnaround Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt. Substitutions in the second half brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who fired wide. Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high. In the closing stages, following a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the danger. Winning Goal Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous zone. As a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda slid in from the unmarked position to tap in his third strike. Final Action Although failing to add a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late saves. Tempers boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle. During a spiteful conclusion, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to secure the win. Looking Ahead With now qualified for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the United States, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.