🔗 Share this article Irankunda Earns Victory for Australia in Intense Exhibition Clash with Canada Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive game in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo put in a outstanding performance to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 result over Canada. Game Breakdown After a uneventful opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Socceroos improved with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute. Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key stops, including a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive victory. NESTOR IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Key Highlights In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a well-timed challenge to avert the threat. Shortly later, Irankunda dribbled past multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked. During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan creating problems on the wing. Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Socceroos defense held firm, restricting opportunities before the break. Second Half Improvement Two minutes into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful run, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his shot. Substitutions in the 57th minute brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor pass and setting up Toure, who fired off target. Later, Miller sent in a lovely cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high. In the closing stages, after a scramble in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger. Decisive Goal Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous area. When a Canadian player dithered, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international goal. Late Drama Despite unable to add a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late heroics. Tempers boiled over in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and taken off amid a fracas. In a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to secure the result. Next Steps With now qualified for the upcoming global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the United States, with a game set in Colorado on Wednesday.