🔗 Share this article Nestory Irankunda Secures Triumph for the Socceroos in Fiery Exhibition Match with the Canadian side Young talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a stellar display to guide the Socceroos to a narrow 1-0 win over Canada. Game Overview Following a slow opening period controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the introduction of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who broke the deadlock in the second half. Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of captain Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a spectacular intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win. NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Notable Moments During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat. Shortly later, Irankunda beat two opponents and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked. Throughout the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to keep the ball, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank. Despite dominance from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline held firm, restricting chances before the halftime. Post-Interval Turnaround Early into the second period, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his shot. Changes in the 57th minute injected instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and finding Toure, who fired off target. Soon after, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high. In the 70th minute, following a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Australians cleared the danger. Winning Goal Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker pulled the ball back into a promising zone. When a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third goal. Late Drama Despite failing to add a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late saves. Emotions flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a booking and being substituted amid a fracas. During a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the win. Looking Ahead With already qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.