Chiedozie Ogbene's Equalizer Secures Draw for Ireland Against Canada

Chiedozie Ogbene struck again for his country, this time in Montreal, to stretch the Republic of Ireland’s encouraging unbeaten run and deny World Cup co-hosts Canada a morale-boosting win.

The Luton Town winger reacted quickest after Maxime Crepeau had saved Troy Parrott’s penalty, thundering in the rebound on the hour to seal a 1-1 draw and quieten a home crowd already dreaming of June.

Canada strike first, with Irish help

Ireland’s solid start evaporated in the 24th minute with the sort of moment defenders replay in their heads for weeks.

Stephen Eustaquio swung in a corner, Jake O’Brien rose to clear, and instead planted a firm header past his own goalkeeper. No Canadian shirt in sight, just a brutal misjudgement and an early gift for Jesse Marsch’s side.

Canada, still without injured captain Alphonso Davies, fed off it. They pressed higher, moved the ball quicker, and for a spell Ireland had to hang on, relying on discipline and a compact shape to ride out the surge.

Larin’s rash challenge turns the tide

Just when Canada looked comfortable, the game flipped.

Cyle Larin, fresh from signing a two-year deal with Southampton earlier in the day, mistimed his challenge on Jamie McGrath in the box. McGrath hit the deck, the referee pointed straight to the spot, and suddenly Ireland had a route back.

Parrott stepped up. His penalty was decent, low and on target, but Crepeau guessed right and pushed it away.

The reprieve lasted seconds.

Ogbene had gambled, followed in, and when the ball spilled loose he crashed it home from close range before Canada’s defence could react. One save, no reward. One sharp winger, full punishment.

Ireland threaten late, Canada look ahead

From there, the contest opened up. Canada, who will kick off the World Cup on 12 June in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina before facing Qatar on 18 June and Switzerland on 24 June, pushed to reassert control. Ireland, with nothing to prepare for this summer except the longer road ahead, played with a freedom that has been missing in tougher qualifying campaigns.

The best late chance fell to substitute Mason Melia. He burst through with purpose, eyes fixed on the winner, but Crepeau stood tall again, blocking the effort and preserving the draw.

For the Orlando City goalkeeper, it felt like a personal milestone as well as a professional one. He missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after breaking his leg in the MLS Cup final; now he looks set to walk into this tournament as Canada’s first-choice keeper, battle-tested and in form.

Ireland, who will watch this World Cup from home after failing to qualify, leave Montreal with more than just a result. They matched a host nation gearing up for the biggest stage, recovered from a self-inflicted wound, and found a leveller through one of their most reliable big-game performers.

Canada, under Marsch and still waiting on Davies’ hamstring to heal at Bayern Munich, have their blueprint: aggressive, direct, occasionally raw, but undeniably dangerous.

The World Cup opener in Toronto is coming fast. On this evidence, neither side will arrive quietly.