Chiedozie Ogbene netted a second half equaliser for the Republic of Ireland in a 1-1 draw against Canada in Montreal.
The World Cup co-hosts took the lead through a Jake O’Brien own goal, but were pegged back by Ogbene who was quickest to react when Troy Parrott’s penalty was saved as it finished honours even in the international friendly.
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson made six changes to the side that beat Qatar at the Aviva Stadium last week, while handing a first cap to four players including Bohemians captain Dawson Devoy who became the first League of Ireland player to earn a senior cap since Jack Byrne in 2020.
St Patrick’s Athletic midfielder Kian Leavy and Shamrock Rovers’ winger Adam Brennan were introduced off the bench alongside Portugal-based Joe Hodge, while Jaden Umeh and Corrie Ndaba made their first senior starts.
The Republic of Ireland made a bright start at Saputo Stadium with an early sight of goal for Devoy who was put through but couldn’t turn home from an angle with Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau as the home side hacked clear.
Canada had began brightly also with Mark Travers forced to save from Tajon Buchanan who was a threat on the right wing.
The hosts continued to apply pressure and were rewarded in the 23rd minute as Stephen Eustaquio’s corner was flicked on with the ball coming off O’Brien and into the net to give Jesse Marsch’s side the lead.
Canada maintained the pressure with O’Brien making a vital block on Liam Millar but had to be satisfied with the one-goal advantage at the half.
They picked up where they left off in the second period but couldn’t double their advantage.
However, against the run of play on the hour mark, the Republic of Ireland won a penalty when Cyle Larin was penalised for a high boot on Irish substitute Jamie McGrath inside the penalty area.
Parrott’s well-struck effort was brilliantly saved by Crepeau but Ogbene turned home the rebound for his fifth international goal.
Larin could have made amends 10 minutes later but was thwarted by the outstretched boot of Mark Travers.
The visitors had an opportunity of their own when substitute Mason Melia was denied by Crepeau with seven minutes remaining, but it would finish honours even.
Canada will now look forward to their World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on Friday, while the Republic of Ireland’s attention now turns to the Nations League in September.
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