🔗 Share this article Irankunda Secures Victory for Australia in Fiery Exhibition Match with the Canadian side Emerging talent Nestory Irankunda netted for the consecutive game in a row, while shot-stopper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar display to help the Socceroos to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Canada. Fixture Breakdown After a slow opening period dominated 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. Keeper Paul Izzo, starting ahead of skipper Maty Ryan, made multiple saves, including a spectacular effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, securing Australia's seventh-straight win. NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Key Highlights In the early stages, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed challenge to avert the threat. Shortly later, Irankunda beat two defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was blocked. Throughout the first half, the Socceroos struggled to keep possession, with Buchanan causing problems on the wing. Despite dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline held firm, restricting chances before the break. Post-Interval Improvement Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure scuffed his attempt. Changes in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who shot off target. Soon after, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who backheeled toward Circati, but the skipper blasted over the bar. During the closing stages, after a pinball situation in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the situation. Decisive Moment Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous zone. As a opposition defender dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the unmarked position to score his third international strike. Late Drama Despite failing to score a another, the Socceroos were rescued by Izzo's last-minute heroics. Tempers flared in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and being substituted amid a scuffle. In a spiteful conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to seal the win. Looking Ahead With now qualified for the next World Cup, the Socceroos are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado on Wednesday.