🔗 Share this article Irankunda Earns Win for Australia in Fiery Exhibition Encounter with Canada Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a superb display to guide the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada. Match Summary After a slow opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side came to life with the entry 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 skipper Maty Ryan, produced several saves, featuring a world-class effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win. NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Notable Highlights During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat. Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked. During the first half, the Socceroos struggled to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank. Despite dominance from the hosts, the organized Australian backline stood strong, restricting chances before the halftime. Second Half Turnaround Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt. Substitutions in the second half brought instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who shot wide. Later, Miller sent in a lovely cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot high. In the 70th minute, following a scramble in the box, the Australians cleared the situation. Winning Goal Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a promising area. When a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third international strike. Late Action Although failing to add a another, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics. Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a yellow card and taken off amid a scuffle. In a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to secure the win. Looking Ahead With now secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.