Senegal’s rising star Lamine Camara announced his arrival at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a brace as the Teranga Lions silenced Gambia with a 3-0 thumping.
Pape Gueye opened the score lines in the 4th minute of the first stanza for Aliou Cisse’s men. Later in the second half, Camara sealed Senegal’s victory with a brace.
The 20-year-old FC Metz midfielder went on to win the Man of the Match Award.
In his reaction after receiving the individual accolade, Camara gave credit to his teammates.
“I am happy with this recognition,” Camara said. “This is the result of the hard work that we all did. Winning the first match remains a good thing.
“I am pleased after scoring a brace in the match….. And I must remain focused now on the rest of the matches.”
The 2023 CAF Young Player of the Year Award winner paid glowing tribute to Senegalese superstar Sadio Mane.
He said the former Liverpool forward and other senior players have helped him settle into the team.
“I am pleased to participate in such a tournament with the first team and to be in the company of senior players such as Sadio Mane and others. These players are the ones who helped me stand out today,” concluded Camara.
The 2023 U-20 AFCON Player of the Tournament made his first-team debut with the Senegal local side that played at the 2022 COSAFA Cup.
He scored two goals during the tournament in matches against Eswatini and Zambia.
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After clinching bronze at the COSAFA, Camara went on to add gold medals at the African Nations Champions and the Under-20 AFCON.
