Ogbene earns Republic of Ireland draw against Canada

World Cup co-hosts Canada were held to a 1-1 draw by the Republic of Ireland in Montreal after Chiedozie Ogbene equalized from a rebound.

Ogbene reacted quickest to slot home after Troy Parrott’s penalty was saved, cancelling out Canada’s first-half opener.

Canada went ahead midway through the first half when a corner was flicked on by Parrott and found the Irish net via the unfortunate Jake O’Brien.

O’Brien made amends with a good block to deny Hull’s Liam Millar as the hosts threatened to stretch their lead before the interval.

Ireland were given a route back into the match just before the hour when Jamie McGrath was caught by a high foot in the box by Cyle Larin.

Parrott’s penalty was well saved by Maxime Crepeau, but Ipswich winger Ogbene won the race to sweep the loose ball into the net.

Larin went close to restoring Canada’s lead, while Crepeau produced another fine save to deny Tottenham’s Mason Melia a goal on his second cap.