Strong showing: Australia's Nestory Irankunda scored five goals on Wednesday night. Photos: AFC/Mark Avellino
A five-goal haul on debut for Australia was the perfect way to kick off the AFC Under-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers for Nestory Irankunda.
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The 16-year-old Adelaide United talent put on a show from start to finish at Shepparton’s McEwen Reserve on Wednesday night, helping the Joeys down Northern Mariana Islands 23-0.
“It wasn’t too bad to be honest,” Irankunda said.
“It’s amazing out there, the pitch is perfect, I don’t try to be too selfish on the ball and I try to get my teammates to score goals as well.
“I’m really happy, obviously it’s a debut game, I put on a performance that I could, I could’ve done better, but I’m proud of myself.”
Playing out the entire 90 minutes, Irankunda scored the first three goals of the game, with a hat-trick inside 16 minutes a true display of his talents.
His first game in the green and gold, the rising star said he was excited to be at the event.
“It was amazing, it’s something new,” he said.
“I wasn’t ready for it, but I got to sing the national anthem in front of everybody that was here to watch.”
On the move: Australia’s Nestory Irankunda looks to beat his opponent.
Playing plenty of senior minutes with Adelaide United’s A-League Men’s side last season, Irankunda said the intensity on Wednesday evening was similar to Australia’s national competition.
“It’s not easier, it’s not harder,” he said.
“I just do what I’ve got to do, play the same way that I play when I’m up playing with the senior boys, but nothing changes for me, I see every game as the same game."
Shepparton sports fans will have two more opportunities to see Irankunda ply his trade at McEwen Reserve, with Australia set to play Cambodia on Friday night and China on Sunday afternoon.
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