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Adelaide United’s Bayern Munich-bound star Nestory Irankunda made his senior international debut as the Socceroos eased to a 2-0 win over Bangladesh in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying.
The Socceroos kept their perfect qualifying record running with both a fifth-consecutive win and clean sheet as Irankunda played from the start; the 18-year-old became the 643rd Socceroo in the 2-0 win at Bashundhara Kings Arena, with goals to Ajdin Hrustic and Kusini Yengi settling the win on the road.
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Central Coast Mariners star and reigning Johnny Warren Medalist Josh Nisbet came off the bench for Graham Arnold’s side – as did Perth Glory striker and 2023-24 Isuzu UTE A-League Golden Boot winner Adam Taggart.
Melbourne Victory winger Daniel Arzani was one of five substitutes in the win over Bangladesh; Arzani hadn’t featured for the Socceroos since the 2018 World Cup and his return to the international fold was reward for his stellar season in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
The Socceroos return to Australia to take on Palestine in Perth in the second of two World Cup qualifiers in the current window. Arnold’s side face Palestine on Tuesday, June 11 at HBF Park.
READ MORE: Nestory Irankunda named in prestigious list of top 30 U20 players in world football
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Irankunda played 64 minutes on his senior international debut. Post-game, the teenager admitted it was a shock to receive a starting berth, but revelled in the opportunity presented to him in Bangladesh.
“The emotions after I was told I was going to be starting, I was kind of in a bit of shock,” he said.
“But I took it as I take it in any game: just prepare myself as well as I can and perform for the nation… it’s really exciting. I’m really happy to cap for the nation.”
“It’s just been amazing, being at this camp,” he added.
“Hopefully I get the chance to come to another one, because it’s been amazing. The best thing that’s happened to me in a long time.”
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