🔗 Share this article Irankunda Secures Victory for Australia in Fiery Exhibition Match with the Canadian side Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the consecutive match in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to help the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada. Match Summary After a slow first half controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos found their rhythm with the entry of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the second half. Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, including a world-class effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win. NESTOR IRANKUNDA PUTS US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Notable Highlights During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to avert the danger. Shortly later, Irankunda beat two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected. Throughout the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the right flank. Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Australian backline stood strong, limiting chances before the halftime. Post-Interval Shift Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt. Changes in the second half brought immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and setting up Toure, who shot wide. Later, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot high. In the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleaned up the danger. Decisive Goal Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the forward pulled the ball back into a promising area. As a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third international goal. Final Drama Despite unable to score a second goal, the team were rescued by Izzo's late saves. Tempers flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and taken off amid a fracas. During a heated conclusion, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to secure the result. Next Steps Having now qualified for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.