🔗 Share this article Nestory Irankunda Earns Victory for Australia in Intense Friendly Match with Canada Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the second game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a stellar performance to lead the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada. Match Summary After a dull opening period dominated by the Canadian team, the Socceroos came to life with the introduction of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half. Keeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, featuring a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win. NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Key Actions During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed tackle to avert the threat. Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked. Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank. Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime. Post-Interval Shift Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda went on a impressive run, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot. Substitutions in the second half injected instant impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who shot off target. Later, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot high. In the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleared the situation. Decisive Moment Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous area. As a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third goal. Final Drama Despite unable to score a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late heroics. Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle. During a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to secure the win. Next Steps Having already secured a spot for the upcoming global tournament, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.