🔗 Share this article The teenage star Delivers Victory for the Socceroos in Heated Exhibition Match with Canada Promising prodigy Nestory Irankunda scored for the second game in a row, as shot-stopper Paul Izzo produced a stellar performance to lead the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 victory over Canada. Fixture Summary Following a dull opening period dominated by the hosts, the Australian side came to life with the entry of late replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. It was Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute. Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced multiple stops, featuring a brilliant effort to deny Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh consecutive victory. NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES US IN FRONT IN CANADA! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Notable Highlights In the third minute, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but defender Alessandro Circati made a well-timed tackle to avert the danger. Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and passed to Max Balard, whose shot was blocked. During the opening 45 minutes, the Socceroos found it difficult to maintain possession, with Buchanan causing issues on the right flank. Despite dominance from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline held firm, limiting opportunities before the halftime. Post-Interval Shift Early into the second half, Irankunda went on a wonderful dribble, beating Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the goal, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt. Substitutions in the second half brought instant energy, with Irankunda pouncing on a deflected clearance and finding Toure, who shot off target. Later, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper shot high. During the 70th minute, after a pinball situation in the box, the Australians cleaned up the situation. Decisive Goal Moments later, Connor Metcalfe released Toure on the right, and the forward cut the ball back into a promising zone. As a opposition player hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third international strike. Final Drama Although failing to score a another, the Socceroos were saved by Izzo's late saves. Tempers boiled over in injury-time, leading to Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a fracas. In a spiteful final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to seal the win. Next Steps With now secured a spot for the next global tournament, the Australian squad are ramping up their readiness with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game set in Colorado next.