Ireland played out a draw with the World Cup co-hosts
Chiedozie Ogbene celebrates scoring for Ireland(Image: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)
Chiedozie Ogbene’s leveller secured a 1-1 draw for Ireland against World Cup co-hosts Canada in Montreal.
Ogbene pounced on the rebound after Troy Parrott’s spot-kick was kept out, as Ireland concluded their campaign with a respectable performance.
The Boys in Green have suffered just a solitary defeat in their previous eight fixtures, winning five of those matches, with their only loss coming via a penalty shootout against the Czech Republic.
The Canadians broke the deadlock midway through the opening period when a corner deflected off Parrott before finding its way into the Irish goal courtesy of an unfortunate touch from Jake O’Brien.
O’Brien atoned with a crucial intervention to thwart Hull’s Liam Millar as the home side looked to double their advantage before half-time.
Ireland were handed a lifeline approaching the hour mark when Jamie McGrath was caught by Cyle Larin’s raised boot inside the penalty area.
While Maxime Crepeau parried Parrott’s effort from 12 yards, Ipswich wideman Ogbene reacted fastest to convert the loose ball.
Larin nearly restored Canada’s advantage, while Crepeau produced another excellent stop to deny Tottenham’s Mason Melia a goal on his second international appearance.
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson awarded first caps to Dawson Devoy, Kian Leavy and Adam Brennan – the first League of Ireland players to feature since 2020 – alongside Joe Hodge.