🔗 Share this article Irankunda Earns Triumph for the Socceroos in Heated Exhibition Match with Canada Young sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive match in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a superb display to help the Australian national team to a hard-fought 1-0 result over Canada. Game Overview After a slow opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side found their rhythm with the arrival of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half. Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, featuring a brilliant intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight win. NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Key Actions In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the danger. Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected. Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing. Even with dominance from the hosts, the organized Australian backline stood strong, restricting chances before the halftime. Second Half Improvement Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot. Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate impact, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target. Soon after, Miller sent in a lovely cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot over the bar. During the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation. Decisive Moment Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a promising area. As a Canadian player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third goal. Late Action Although unable to score a another, the team were saved by Izzo's late heroics. Emotions boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle. During a heated conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to seal the win. Next Steps With now qualified for the next global tournament, the Socceroos are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a game set in Colorado next.