Ogbene leveller maintains Irish unbeaten record in Montreal

The Republic of Ireland drew 1–1 with Canada at Stade Saputo in Montreal to conclude the international fixtures in May and June.

A Jake O’Brien own goal gave the hosts the lead, but a much-improved second-half performance saw Ireland take control against the World Cup-bound Canadians, with Chiedozie Ogbene levelling the tie.

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson made six changes to the side that defeated Qatar earlier this week, with Bohemians captain Dawson Devoy and Jaden Umeh among those brought into the starting line-up in Montreal. Kian Leavy, Joe Hodge and Adam Brennan all made their senior Republic of Ireland debuts after being introduced from the bench in the second half.

The 24-year-old Devoy became the first current League of Ireland player to start for the Republic of Ireland senior team since Jack Byrne in November 2020, while 18-year-old Benfica winger Umeh earned his first senior international start after making his debut as a second-half substitute in the victory over Qatar.

Mark Travers was called into action inside the opening five minutes when Buchanan struck a first-time effort from outside the area, forcing the Irish goalkeeper into a low diving save. Millar had another sight of goal for the home side, but his low curling effort drifted just wide of Travers’ far post. 

Dawson Devoy went close to opening the scoring for Ireland when a clever exchange with Troy Parrott saw the Bohemians midfielder break into the area and round Crépeau, but his effort was cleared off the line by the Canadian defence.

Canada took the lead in the 24th minute when a corner from the left delivered by Eustáquio to the far post took a deflection off Jake O’Brien and found its way into the net to give the hosts the advantage. Canada had the next shot on target in the 32nd minute when Millar struck a well-placed low effort, but O’Brien did brilliantly to block the attempt and turn it behind for a corner. 

The home side continued to attack with pace and purpose, but Ireland’s defence remained disciplined and organised, thwarting any threat that came their way.

Abankwah and Buchanan both had early sights of goal in the second half for their respective sides, but neither player was able to test the goalkeeper. Larin forced an excellent save from Travers in the 52nd minute when the ball fell kindly to the Canadian striker inside the Irish area, but his snapshot was met by a superb reaction save from the Irish goalkeeper. 

Ireland were awarded a penalty in the 59th minute after Jamie McGrath challenged for the ball with Larin in the Canadian penalty area. The Canadian forward caught McGrath in the head, and the referee pointed to the spot.

Troy Parrott's penalty was saved by Crépeau, but Ogbene was quickest to react, firing home the rebound to level the tie.

Larin went inches away from restoring Canada’s lead in the 70th minute when a clever pass slipped the Canadian forward through into the Irish penalty area. His low effort was brilliantly saved by Travers with his foot, and the ball trickled just past the post before being cleared at the back post.

The home side won a series of corners in the 76th minute, but the Irish defence, marshalled superbly by Nathan Collins, stood firm to repel any threat to Travers’ goal. Nathan Collins picked out Troy Parrott with a superb long pass that sent the striker through on goal, but his attempt to square the ball for Mason Melia was intercepted and cleared by the Canadian defence.

Mason Melia forced an excellent save from Crépeau in the 82nd minute following a superb Irish move. Ogbene broke down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross to the young striker, but after setting himself, Melia saw his effort brilliantly saved by the Canadian goalkeeper.

Canada struck the side netting in the 90th minute when a cross flashed across the face of the Irish goal and found Oluwaseyi at the back post, but his effort hit the wrong side of the net.

The final whistle confirmed a deserved draw for Ireland after an impressive second-half display against one of the hosts of this summer’s FIFA World Cup. Attention now turns to the UEFA Nations League campaign, with Ireland’s next fixture coming against Kosovo in September.

Canada: Crépeau (GK), Laryea (Bassong 62), Cornelius, De Fougerolles, Johnston (Sigur 46), Eustáquio © (Oluwaseyi 86), Koné, Millar (Nelson 86), Buchanan (Saliba 86), Jonathan David, Larin (Promise 73).

Subs not used: Bombito, Choinière, Goodman, Jones, Osorio, Priso, St. Clair (GK), Waterman.

Republic of Ireland: Travers (GK), Coleman (Phillips 71), Abankwah, O'Brien, Coventry (Hodge 88), Parrott (Leavy 88), Devoy (McGrath 46), Umeh (Melia 71), Ogbene (Brennan 90), Ndaba (Scales 46), Collins (C).

Subs not used: McGinty (GK), Brann (GK), A. Murphy, Healy, O'Dwyer.

Booked: Cornelius (CAN), Lairn (CAN), McGrath (IRL), Marsh (CAN)

Sent Off: None

Player of the Match: Jake O’Brien (IRL)