Nestory Irankunda finally debuts as Socceroos continue undefeated streak with win over Bangledesh

The Socceroos have maintained their unbeaten run in the World Cup Asian qualifiers with a comprehensive victory over Bangladesh, as wunderkind Nestory Irankunda made his long awaited international debut.

DHAKA, BANGLADESH - JUNE 06: Nestory Irankunda of Australia (R) chases the ball under pressure of Isa Faysal of Bangladesh (L) during the FIFA World Cup Asian second qualifier Group I match between Bangladesh and Australia at Bashundhara Kings Arena on June 6, 2024 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images)

Nestory Irankunda made his long awaited Socceroos debut but failed to have a major impact as Australia laboured to a 2-0 win over Bangladesh in Dhaka on Thursday night.

The 18-year-old Irankunda, who is bound for German giants Bayern Munich, was named in the Socceroos starting line-up by national coach Graham Arnold, who on Wednesday suggested that the A-League prodigy would be given free rein to torment the Bangladesh defence.

However, in humid conditions and on a wet pitch, Irankunda was among a host of Australians who struggled to impose themselves on the FIFA World Cup qualifier.

His main contribution was an assist of sorts for Australia’s first goal, which came in the 29th minute.

Irankunda laid a short pass into the path of teammate Ajdin Hrustic, who let fly with an extremely speculative strike from more than 25 metres out.

It was a shot that was flying well wide of goal before it took a wicked deflection off Bangladesh defender Mehedi Mithu and flew into the back of the net.

Graham Arnold finally started Nestory Irankunda on Thursday night. Picture: Getty Images

Irankunda was eventually replaced in the 64th minute by former whiz-kid Daniel Arzani, who made his first Socceroos appearance since the 2018 World Cup.

Irankunda said he “could have done better” but that he was “really proud” to earn his first Socceroos cap.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” he said.

“It was just my decision making that let me down but I did do the right thing sometimes. There is still space for improvement.

“We did well (considering) the conditions. We got the result that we came for and a clean sheet as well.”

By then the Australians had doubled their lead, with striker Kusini Yengi heading home a superb cross from Jordy Bos two minutes earlier.

It was otherwise a tough slog for the visitors in difficult conditions.

An unmarked Mitch Duke had a good chance to open the scoring in the 27th minute but failed to make the most of another pinpoint cross from Bos with a header that failed to hit the target.

Despite dominating possession, the Socceroos created few other genuine chances as they lacked a cutting edge in attack.

The Australians will be hoping for better conditions in Perth on Tuesday night when they meet Palestine in their final match of the second round of AFC World Cup qualifiers.

The Socceroos have already sealed a spot in the third round of qualifiers, having picked up a perfect 15 points from five second-round games.

How do you think Australia will go in the 2026 World Cup? Picture: Getty Images

FOUR CHANGES

Four changes were made to the team that started in the Socceroos previous encounter, a 5-0 win over Lebanon on March 26 in Canberra.

Coming into the 11 were debutant Irankunda, left-back Bos, right-back Ryan Strain and goalkeeper Joe Gauci.

Out went Craig Goodwin, Gethin Jones, Cameron Burgess and first-choice keeper and regular skipper Mat Ryan.

Defenders Jones and Burgess dropped to the bench, while the injured Goodwin and the rested Ryan weren’t named in the 25-man squad for these batch of qualifiers against Bangladesh and Palestine.

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Originally published as Nestory Irankunda finally debuts as Socceroos continue undefeated streak with win over Bangledesh