Nestory Irankunda scored a spectacular free-kick goal in Watford’s 1-1 draw with Swansea City, which he says is among his top five in his career to date.
The Socceroos whizkid put Watford ahead in the 35th minute at Swansea with a curling free-kick from just outside the box.
Irankunda took the set-piece with normal free-kick taker Imran louza suspended. Captain Moussa Sissoko consulted the Aussie, who insisted he was capable of delivering from the dead ball.
“I respect Imrân, he can have all the free-kicks!” Irankunda said. “Moussa is the captain, so I asked him for permission and I feel confident in taking a free-kick.
“He asked me a couple of times, ‘are you sure you can take free-kicks? I said ‘yeah, go look at my highlight reels! After that I just put it into the corner.”
Irankunda limped exited in the 58th minute after receiving treatment but Watford boss Paulo Pezzalano confirmed he was fine, despite fears of a hamstring injury.
The young gun added about his goal: “It’s just something I’ve worked on during my four years as a professional footballer.
“I’m really happy with the goal, but not so happy with the result. I’ve scored some good goals but that could be in my top five!”
“I said go look at my highlight reels” 😂
Irankunda on his goal and the result 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/WOXPFIUJUm
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) August 23, 2025
Cameron Burgess put in a full shift for the Swans, earning a 7/10 rating from Wales Online: “Looked a little vulnerable with the ball on the deck one-on-one, but a really strong aerial presence. Grew into the game pretty well.”
Adrian Segecic received a 7/10 rating from Portsmouth News for his 85-minute display in Portsmouth’s 1-1 draw at West Brom.
“A lovely pass presented Bianchini with a great chance on 20 minutes, which the keeper saved, but Blues couldn’t get him involved enough. Switched to the right wing once Bianchini went off and teed up Bishop for a great headed chance on 73 mins.”
Thomas Waddingham was a 57th minute substitute while Hayden Matthews went unused.
Raphael Borges Rodrigues came off the bench to provide an assist in Coventry City’s 7-1 demolition of QPR.
Borges Rodrigues was a 56th minute substitute with Coventry 6-0, before laying off the pass 10 minutes later for Victor Torp to make it 7-0.
He was rated 7.5/10 by the Coventry Telegraph who wrote: “Excellent when he went on, showing terrific confidence to take on players and set up Torp for 7-0.”
Sam Silvera started and played 90 minutes but only was rated 5/10 in Middlesbrough’s 2-1 win at Norwich City.
Teesside Live wrote: “Found it challenging defensively at left wing-back against Norwich’s Jack Stacey, before the Canaries man was forced off with an injury. Was able to continue after an injury scare in the second half before a late substitution.”
Massimo Luongo put in a full shift in Millwall’s 1-0 win at Sheffield United, while Callum Elder played a full 90 in Derby’s 1-1 draw with Bristol City on Friday.
Connor Metcalfe was a 77th minute substitute for St Pauli, coming on with his side trailing 3-1 before rallying back for a 3-3 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the opening weekend of the new German Bundesliga season.
Jackson Irvine remains sidelined with a foot injury.
Awer Mabil started and played 84 minutes in Castellon’s second game of the new Spanish La Liga 2 season, ending with a 1-0 home loss to Valladolid.
Deni Juric scored Koper’s opening goal from the penalty spot in a 2-1 win over Mura in Slovenia’s Prva Liga.
In transfer news, free agent Socceroos goalkeeper Mathew Ryan is reportedly drawing interest from Spanish La Liga club Levante, while he’s also had offers from Turkish Super Lig outfits Rizespor and Antalyaspor.
Nectar Triantis has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal with MLS club Minnesota United, ending his time at Sunderland after a good loan stint last season at Hibernian.
Marco Tilio is reportedly close to signing with Austria Vienna on a permanent deal from Celtic, while Denmark-based Mohamed Toure has drawn interest from Austrian club Sturm Graz.
