🔗 Share this article Nestory Irankunda Secures Victory for the Socceroos in Heated Friendly Match with Canada Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding performance to lead the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada. Game Overview After a dull opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side came to life with the introduction of late substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the second half. Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key stops, featuring a world-class intervention to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh-straight win. NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Key Highlights In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the penalty area, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to avert the threat. Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was deflected. During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank. Despite pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the halftime. Post-Interval Turnaround Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt. Substitutions in the 57th minute injected instant impact, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who fired off target. Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the captain shot over the bar. During the 70th minute, after a scramble 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 dangerous area. As a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to score his third international strike. Late Drama Although unable to add a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics. Tempers flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a fracas. In a heated conclusion, the Socceroos backline and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result. Looking Ahead With already qualified for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their readiness with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture scheduled in Colorado next.