Canada 1-1 Republic of Ireland: Ogbene equalizes in Montreal friendly

Chidoji Ogbene scored a second-half equalizer for the Republic of Ireland in their 1-1 draw against Canada in Montreal.

The World Cup co-hosts took the lead through a Jack O’Brien own goal, but were pegged back by Ogbene who reacted quickly to save Troy Parrott’s penalty as it ended the honors in the international friendly as well.

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimson made six changes to the side that beat Qatar at the Aviva Stadium last week, while handing four players their first caps, 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 with Portugal-based Joe Hodge, while Jaden Umeh and Corey Ndaba made their first senior starts.

The Republic of Ireland got off to a bright start at the Saputo Stadium with an early goal for Davoy, who was unable to head home a corner with Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crapeau as the home side were hacked.

Canada also started brightly with Mark Travers forced to save from Tajon Buchanan, who was a threat down the right wing.

The hosts continued to apply the pressure and were rewarded in the 23rd minute as Stephen Eustace’s corner from O’Brien flicked the ball into the net to give Jessie Marsh’s side the lead.