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Irankunda makes UEFA Youth League debut

Australia v Bahrain - 2026 FIFA World Cup AFC Asian Qualifier Round 3
Socceroo Nestory Irankunda has made his UEFA Youth League debut for Bayern Munich. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Socceroos teenage sensation Nestory Irankunda has made a successful UEFA Youth League debut as part of a Bayern Munich team that beat Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb 2-1.

The under-19 competition is contested by clubs also competing in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League as well as the domestic youth champions of the best-ranked national associations.

Former A-League prodigy Irankunda, 18, started for Bayern in the match on Wednesday morning (AEST) before being replaced in the 71st minute with his team leading 2-0.

It was ex-Adelaide United winger Irankunda’s second appearance for his club since returning last week from Socceroos duty in Indonesia, having also started for Bayern’s second team in a 2-2 weekend draw with Aubstadt in a German fourth-tier encounter.

Bayern’s top team was also successful in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday morning, thrashing Dinamo Zagreb 9-2, with English striker Harry Kane scoring four goals at Allianz Arena.

“It was a great game and an impressive performance from us,” Kane said.

“We pressured them from the start and took our chances.”