Ireland came away from Canada with a hard-fought 1-1 draw in an international friendly played at Saputo Stadium in Montreal.
Chiedozie Ogbene was the hero for the Republic of Ireland, netting a second-half equaliser to cancel out Canada’s opener and secure a share of the spoils.
The World Cup co-hosts had taken the lead through a Jake O’Brien own goal, with Stephen Eustaquio’s corner flicked on before the ball deflected off the Irish defender and into the net.
Jesse Marsch’s Canada side looked comfortable heading into half-time, with O’Brien also making a vital block on Liam Millar to protect their advantage.
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson made six changes to the side that beat Qatar at the Aviva Stadium the previous week, freshening up his squad significantly for the trip to Canada.
Four players earned their first senior caps on the night, including Bohemians captain Dawson Devoy, who became the first League of Ireland player to earn a senior cap since Jack Byrne in 2020.
Devoy had an early chance to mark his debut with a goal, but couldn’t turn home from an angle with Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau and the home side hacked clear.
St Patrick’s Athletic midfielder Kian Leavy, Shamrock Rovers winger Adam Brennan, Portugal-based Joe Hodge, and Jaden Umeh and Corrie Ndaba also featured with Umeh and Ndaba making their first senior starts.
Ireland’s equaliser arrived against the run of play on the hour mark after Cyle Larin was penalised for a high boot on substitute Jamie McGrath inside the penalty area.
Troy Parrott stepped up but his well-struck effort was brilliantly saved by Crepeau, however Ogbene was quickest to react, turning home the rebound for his fifth international goal.
Canada’s Larin had a chance to restore the lead ten minutes later but was thwarted by the outstretched boot of goalkeeper Mark Travers.
Irish substitute Mason Melia went close late on, only to be denied by Crepeau with seven minutes remaining, ensuring the match ended level.
Canada will now shift focus to their World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday, while Ireland return their attention to Nations League action in September.
