Irankunda free-kick stuns Brazil as 95th-minute Rayan header denies Socceroos famous win

Australia came within seconds of a famous victory over Brazil in Townsville on Friday, only for substitute Rayan to head home a 95th-minute equaliser and salvage a 1-1 draw for the five-time world champions in the international friendly.

Nestory Irankunda had looked set to win it for the Socceroos, drilling a superb free-kick over the defensive wall in the 68th minute after Brazil keeper Hugo Souza had earlier denied him. It would have been only Australia’s second win over Brazil, according to Free Malaysia Today.

Both sides were rebuilding after early exits from this year’s World Cup, and it was the hosts who seized the early advantage in front of a sell-out crowd at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Connor Metcalfe went close in the third minute, while Australian keeper Patrick Beach stood firm against headers and drives from Raphinha and Chelsea winger Estevao.

Estevao thought he had broken the deadlock just before half-time, only for the goal to be chalked off after a VAR review ruled that Bruno Guimaraes had fouled Harry Souttar in the build-up.

Brazil dominated after the restart but could not find a way through until the final attack, when Rayan’s thumping header denied Australia late on.

Sources

• Free Malaysia Today: Rayan’s header salvages 1-1 draw between Brazil and Australia (25 September 2026) — https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/09/25/rayan-header-salvages-1-1-draw-between-brazil-and-australia
• Flashscore: Brazil score at the death to deny Socceroos famous win after Irankunda stunner (25 September 2026) — https://www.flashscore.com.au/news/soccer-friendly-international-australia-brazil-september-25-2026/QTYv229O/
• 101greatgoals: Australia 1-1 Brazil: Rayan rescues Selecao after Irankunda stunner (25 September 2026) — https://www.101greatgoals.com/football/internationals/australia-brazil-report/