The Republic of Ireland proved party poopers in Montreal as Chiedozie Ogbene’s equaliser earned a 1-1 draw against World Cup-bound Canada.
The goal, which came against the run of play as a rebound after Troy Parrott’s penalty miss, cancelled out Jake O’Brien’s first-half own goal as Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side capped an improved second-half display against the World Cup co-hosts in the international friendly at Saputo Stadium.
The Ireland manager was also able to introduce four new caps, including three from the League of Ireland as they brought their summer friendly window to a conclusion.
Hallgrimsson made six changes to the starting side that beat Qatar at Aviva Stadium last Thursday.
Notably, Bohemians captain Dawson Devoy went straight into the XI, the first LOI player to be capped by the senior team since Jack Byrne in November 2020.
Meanwhile there were first starts for recent debutants Jaden Umeh and Corrie Ndaba.
The Irish starting side in Montreal
Devoy had an early opportunity after combining with Ogbene and Parrott on nine minutes.
The latter played the 24-year-old midfielder into the box but from a tight angle, with Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau closing him down, Devoy was not able to turn the ball on target although it did cause momentary panic for the home side’s defence.
Dawson Devoy close to scoring on his international debut!
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However, that was as good as it got for Ireland in the first half. Even before that Irish chance, Canada had been getting a grip on the game.
Tajon Buchanan had stung the palms of Mark Travers two minutes in and the right winger and his counterpart on the other flank, Liam Millar, regularly threatened the Irish back line.
As the half wore on, Jesse Marsch’s side began to win a succession of corners and it was via that avenue that Canada took the lead midway through the opening ’45.
Stephen Eustaquio delivered a dangerous corner from the left which flicked off the head of Troy Parrott, defending at the near post.
Unfortunately for centre-back O’Brien, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time as the ball struck him on its way in.
Jake O’Brien deflects the ball into his own net and Canada lead
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That goal separated the sides at the half-time whistle with Ireland very much on the back foot.
Hallgrimsson made two alterations for the start of the second ’45, bringing on Jamie McGrath and Liam Scales for Devoy and Ndaba.
Initially, Canada continued to dominate the early stages. But against the run of play, Ireland levelled just before the hour mark.
However, it required a misjudgement from Canadian striker Cyle Larin whose high boot caught Jamie McGrath on the head in the box.
Ireland were awarded the penalty. But Parrott saw his effort saved well by shot-stopper Crepeau.
Adam Brennan, Kian Leavy, and Dawson Devoy’s debuts marked a significant night for the LOI
However, Ogbene reacted quickly to turn the ball into the empty net and draw the sides level for his fifth international goal.
Ireland improved from there, although Larin came close to restoring the Canadian lead after a slip from Nathan Collins with 20 minutes to go.
Mason Melia was brought on shortly after for his second cap and the Tottenham Hotspur youngster was joined in the fray by Killian Phillips.
Melia would have a glorious opportunity on 83 minutes. A cross from the right by Ogbene found the ex-St Patrick’s Athletic teenager in space.
Mason Melia denied a first senior international goal by a great save from Canadian keeper
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But Crepeau made the save to prevent the 18-year-old from putting Ireland ahead in what would have been a glorious moment in his young career.
As the game ticked towards its conclusion, Hallgrimsson was able to hand out further debuts with a strong League of Ireland flavour.
Along with the Portugal-based Joe Hodge, St Pat’s attacking midfielder Kian Leavy and Shamrock Rovers’ teenage winger Adam Brennan were introduced as they joined Devoy in bridging a six-year gap for domestic-based caps in the senior team.
That experimental side saw out the final minutes as Ireland held out for a draw with the next stop being the Nations League this autumn.
Canada: Maxime Crepeau; Alistair Johnston (Niko Sigur ‘46), Luc de Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea (Zorhan Bassong ‘62); Tajon Buchanan (Tani Oluwaseyi ‘87), Stephen Eustaquio (capt) (Nathan Saliba ‘87), Ismael Kone, Liam Millar (Tani Oluwaseyi ‘87); Jonathan David, Cyle Larin (Promise David).
Republic of Ireland: Mark Travers; Séamus Coleman (Killian Phillips ‘70), Jake O’Brien, Nathan Collins, James Abankwah, Corrie Ndaba (Liam Scales ‘46); Conor Coventry (Joe Hodge ‘88), Dawson Devoy (Jamie McGrath ‘46); Chiedozie Ogbene (Adam Brennan ‘90+2 mins), Jaden Umeh (Mason Melia ‘70); Troy Parrott (Kian Leavy ‘88).
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