TORONTO: Canada striker Cyle Larin came off the bench to grab a 1-1 draw for his side against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a frenetic Group ‘B’ opener on Friday that long looked like it would end in defeat for the World Cup co-hosts.

Bosnia took the lead in the 21st minute when Jovo Lukic converted a flick-on from a corner to score his first international goal. Canada responded positively and dominated much of the match but struggled to turn possession and chances into goals.

A golden opportunity fell to Ismael Kone in the 30th minute, but he fired over the bar. Canada intensified the pressure after the break and came agonisingly close to equalising in the 53rd minute when Richie Laryea’s effort appeared destined for the net. However, Bosnia defender Sead Kolasinac produced a remarkable goal-line intervention, diverting the shot onto the crossbar and away.

Despite a relentless attacking display, Canada lacked the finishing touch as Bosnia defended resolutely and looked set to claim a narrow victory. The breakthrough finally arrived after Larin entered the match in the 76th minute.

Less than three minutes later, the striker turned sharply in the box and fired home a deflected shot to level the score in the 78th minute, spar-king celebrations among the largely Canadian crowd of 43,000.

Canada pushed for a winner in the closing stages and came close near the final whistle, but Bosnia held firm to secure a share of the points.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2026