Australia’s African-born Mo Toure fires brace as Socceroos down New Zealand in Soccer Ashes

African-born forward Mo Toure underlined his rising importance to Australia with a decisive brace in the Socceroos’ 3-1 victory over New Zealand in Auckland on Tuesday, sealing a Soccer Ashes double over their trans-Tasman rivals.

The Denmark-based striker, who was born in Guinea to Liberian parents, struck twice in a clinical display that highlighted his sharp instincts in front of goal.

Both nations have already booked their places at next year’s FIFA World Cup, but the Socceroos extended their dominance in the fixture with a second successive win, having edged New Zealand 1-0 in last week’s home clash.

New Zealand enjoyed long spells of possession in the first half but were undone in the 35th minute when Toure slipped through on goal and calmly slotted past goalkeeper Max Crocombe.

The hosts nearly equalised almost immediately, with Chris Wood leading the attack, but a deflected effort rattled the crossbar before Tim Payne’s follow-up was tipped over by Paul Izzo.

Australia doubled their advantage shortly after the restart through 19-year-old Nestory Irankunda, who showcased his flair with a weaving run and composed finish on 54 minutes.

The teenager, who swapped Bayern Munich for Watford in the summer, continued to impress in national colours.

Wood briefly revived Kiwi hopes with a header three minutes later, only for Toure to restore Australia’s two-goal cushion almost instantly with a sharp close-range finish. The Randers forward thought he had completed his hat-trick, but VAR intervened to rule him narrowly offside.

For Australia, the win further cements their dominance in the Soccer Ashes rivalry, with New Zealand failing to beat the Socceroos since 2002.