🔗 Share this article The teenage star Earns Win for Australia in Fiery Friendly Encounter with the Canadian side Emerging prodigy Nestory Irankunda found the back of the net for the second fixture in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo put in a superb display to guide the Australian national team to a tight 1-0 win over Canada. Fixture Summary Following 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 made the difference in the 71st minute. Keeper Paul Izzo, starting in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced key saves, including a world-class intervention to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the 90th minute, ensuring Australia's seventh-straight victory. NESTORY IRANKUNDA SCORES AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN CANADA! 🔥🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺 Key Highlights During the third minute, Tajon Buchanan burst into the penalty area, but captain Alessandro Circati executed a well-timed challenge to avert the threat. Shortly later, Irankunda beat multiple defenders and set up Max Balard, whose attempt was deflected. During the opening 45 minutes, the Australians struggled to maintain the ball, with Buchanan creating issues on the right flank. Even with pressure from the hosts, the disciplined Australian backline held firm, restricting chances before the halftime. Post-Interval Improvement Early into the second period, Irankunda embarked on a wonderful dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and firing the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt. Substitutions in the 57th minute brought instant energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a deflected pass and finding Toure, who fired off target. Later, Miller delivered a precise cross to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the captain blasted high. In the 70th minute, after a scramble in the box, the Socceroos cleaned up the situation. Decisive Moment Moments later, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the wing, and the forward pulled the ball back into a promising zone. When a opposition player dithered, Irankunda sneaked in from the blind side to score his third international strike. Final Action Despite failing to add a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute heroics. Emotions flared in stoppage time, leading to Irankunda getting a yellow card and being substituted amid a scuffle. In a spiteful conclusion, the Australian backline and Izzo held firm to seal the result. Next Steps With already secured a spot for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with friendlies against Canada and the United States, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.