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Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda scored for the second fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a superb performance to lead the Australian national team to a narrow 1-0 result over Canada.

Match Overview

After a dull first half controlled by the hosts, the Socceroos improved with the arrival of second-half substitutes Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who scored the decider in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, produced key saves, featuring a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS AUSTRALIA IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a perfectly timed challenge to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda dribbled past two defenders and passed to Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked.
• Throughout the first half, the Australians found it difficult to maintain the ball, with Buchanan causing problems on the right flank.
• Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian defense held firm, limiting chances before the halftime.

Second Half Improvement

Early into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Substitutions in the second half brought instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a poor clearance and finding Toure, who shot off target.

Later, Miller delivered a precise ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain shot high.

During the 70th minute, after a scramble in the box, the Australians cleaned up the danger.

Decisive Goal

Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the forward cut the ball back into a promising area.

As a opposition player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to tap in his third international goal.

Final Action

Despite unable to add a second goal, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's late heroics.

Emotions boiled over in injury-time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a fracas.

During a spiteful final few minutes, the Socceroos defense and Izzo stood their ground to seal the result.

Looking Ahead

Having now qualified for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.