🔗 Share this article Nestory Irankunda Earns Win for Australia in Intense Friendly Match with the Canadian side Emerging sensation Nestory Irankunda netted for the second game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a stellar display to help the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada. Game Summary After a uneventful opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side came to life with the arrival of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the second half. Keeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, made several saves, including a spectacular effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory. NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Key Moments During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the danger. Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked. During the first half, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank. Despite pressure from Canada, the disciplined Australian backline stood strong, limiting chances before the break. Second Half Turnaround Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt. Changes in the second half brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who shot off target. Later, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar. In the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleared the situation. Decisive Moment Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward cut the ball back into a dangerous zone. As a Canadian defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international strike. Final Action Despite unable to score a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics. Emotions boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a fracas. In a heated final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo held firm to seal the win. Looking Ahead With now qualified for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.