🔗 Share this article Nestory Irankunda Earns Triumph for Australia in Intense Exhibition Encounter with the Canadian side Promising sensation Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive fixture in a row, as goalkeeper Paul Izzo produced a outstanding display to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada. Game Summary After a uneventful opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side found their rhythm with the introduction 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 ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced multiple saves, featuring a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win. NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US AHEAD IN MONTREAL! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Notable Moments In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed tackle to clear the threat. Shortly later, Irankunda beat two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose shot was blocked. Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing. Even with pressure from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, limiting chances before the break. Second Half Shift Two minutes into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt. Changes in the 57th minute brought immediate energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target. Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar. In the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleared the danger. Winning Moment Soon after, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the wing, and the striker cut the ball back into a promising zone. As a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to tap in his third international strike. Late Drama Although failing to score a another, the team were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics. Tempers flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a fracas. During a heated final few minutes, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to secure the result. Next Steps With now secured a spot for the upcoming World Cup, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with friendlies against North American opponents and the USA, with a fixture set in Colorado on Wednesday.