Chiedozie Ogbene and D. Devoy gave the Republic of Ireland draw real meaning in Montreal. The friendly finished 1-1, but the most notable moments came from Ogbene’s rebound finish after Troy Parrott's penalty was saved and Devoy’s first senior cap, the first League of Ireland senior cap since Jack Byrne in 2020.
Ogbene's finish settled Ireland after the penalty save
Ireland needed a response after Jake O'Brien's own goal from Stephen Eustaquio's corner in the 23rd minute put Canada ahead. The equaliser arrived in the 60th minute when Parrott's penalty was kept out by Maxime Crepeau and Ogbene reacted quickest to score the rebound. It was Ogbene's fifth international goal, a decent return for a player who has usually offered far more than just direct running.
Parrott's recent European form had suggested he would be a safe option from the spot, with three recent Europa Conference League goals behind him. That did not carry over in Montreal, and Ireland needed Ogbene's sharpness to turn the moment into a goal rather than a missed chance.
Devoy's debut gave the night its historical edge
If the result was standard friendly fare, Devoy's appearance was not. His senior cap mattered because it was the first by a League of Ireland player since Byrne in 2020, which is the sort of detail that gives an otherwise routine international window some proper substance.
That is the part Ireland should keep hold of from the trip. Ogbene's equaliser was the key football moment, but Devoy's debut made the night more than just a draw and a missed penalty. Ireland leave Montreal with one point, one senior breakthrough and a reminder that the next small opening can still matter.
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