Latest news with #MomohKamara
CAF
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
From Freetown to Fame: How Momoh Kamara lit up Egypt
At just 20 years old, Momoh Kamara has emerged as the undisputed heartbeat of Sierra Leone's U20 side at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2025. His combination of poise, power and precision has not only helped the tournament debutants reach the quarter-finals, but has also turned him into one of Africa's brightest young stars. Kamara's exploits—from a stunning hat-trick against hosts Egypt to a commanding all-round midfield display across four matches—have earned him the Player of the Group Stage and Top Scorer accolades , with four goals to his name. While Sierra Leone's run ended in heartbreak against Morocco, Kamara's story is just beginning. From Kambia to Cairo: A Journey Fuelled by Grit Born in Kambia Town and raised in the tough neighborhoods of East End Freetown, Kamara's journey is a testament to perseverance. He began honing his craft at Mattia Football Club, a grassroots outfit known for producing raw talent. A move to Diamond Stars FC and later a stint with Leixões SC B in Portugal added polish to his natural game. His first real taste of international spotlight came during the WAFU Zone A qualifiers, where he led Sierra Leone to their maiden U20 AFCON qualification, bagging the Best Player award in the process. "I played barefoot in the streets, dreaming of this," Kamara said. "To be here, representing Sierra Leone, and to lead the team to our first AFCON is something I'll never forget." A Breakout Tournament If the qualifiers hinted at his potential, Kamara's performances in Egypt confirmed it. After a cagey 0-0 opener against Zambia, Kamara exploded in the second match—scoring a sensational hat-trick against the host nation. He added another goal against South Africa, finishing the group stage as the tournament's leading scorer. "Momoh is different," said coach Mohamed Lamin Kamara. "He has the heart of a lion and the feet of an artist. He doesn't just play football—he lives it. He makes others better." Despite Sierra Leone falling 1-0 to Morocco in the quarter-finals, Kamara stood tall, delivering yet another mature performance against one of the continent's top teams. His impact was recognized as he was named in the CAF Technical Study Group Best XI for the group phase. American Dream: From Freetown to Minnesota Kamara's talents haven't gone unnoticed. Ahead of the tournament, he sealed a move to Minnesota United FC 2 in the USA's MLS NEXT Pro, on loan from Mattia FC, with a purchase option. "Joining Minnesota is a big step," Kamara said. "It's the next challenge. But I know I can handle it. Playing in Egypt gave me confidence that I can thrive anywhere." Amos Magee, MNUFC's Head of Player Development, called him 'a creative and determined young talent with a real nose for goal.' His signing is being closely watched in MLS circles, with many predicting he could soon make the jump to Minnesota's first team. A Future Built on Ambition Kamara has already earned two senior caps for Sierra Leone, debuting during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. As interest from European clubs grows, he remains grounded. "My focus now is to keep growing, to help my club and country," he said. "I dream of playing in the Champions League one day. But for now, I'm working every day to improve." His maturity off the pitch mirrors his intelligence on it. He speaks like a veteran, yet plays with the hunger of someone who knows where he came from. More Than a Star For Sierra Leone, Kamara represents more than just goals and glamour. He symbolizes the potential of a nation often overlooked in African football. His rise is inspiring a new generation of players back home. "He's not just our leader on the field," said teammate Alpha Turay. "He's a role model for the entire country." And as the dust settles on Sierra Leone's historic U20 AFCON campaign, Momoh Kamara leaves Cairo not just as a breakout star—but as a name Africa won't soon forget.
CAF
13-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
AFCON U-20 Egypt 2025: Eight takeaways from a gripping quarter-final stage
Published: Tuesday, 13 May 2025 The quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 delivered drama, heartbreak, and historic moments as four teams secured their place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year. Here are eight key takeaways as the dust settles on a thrilling last-eight phase: 1. Africa's World Cup Quartet is Set Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and South Africa will fly the continent's flag at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The semi-finalists have not only earned bragging rights on the continent but will now shift focus to testing themselves on the global stage in Chile. 2. Egypt Showed the Heart of Champions The hosts came back from the brink in a pulsating clash with Ghana, recovering from a 2-0 deficit to level 2-2 before winning 5-4 on penalties. Osama Nabih's side showcased resilience and composure in front of their home fans and are proving they have both grit and goals. 3. Nigeria Are Built for the Big Moments The Flying Eagles once again confirmed why they are Africa's most successful U-20 team. A nerveless performance in the shootout against holders Senegal (5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw) sent them into a record-extending 14th World Cup appearance. 4. Senegal's Penalty Curse Continues For the third time in a year, Senegal exited a CAF tournament on penalties, following similar heartbreaks in the senior AFCON and the U-17 edition. Despite controlling much of the match against Nigeria, their inability to convert chances or hold their nerve in shootouts proved costly. 5. Morocco End 20-Year Semi-Final Wait An extra-time own goal handed Morocco a 1-0 win over Sierra Leone and a place in the semi-finals for the first time since 2005. Their tournament campaign has been defined by tactical discipline and a solid backline that has conceded just three goals in four games. 6. Sierra Leone Win Hearts, If Not the Match The tournament debutants exited the competition with their heads held high. With surprise wins and a never-say-die attitude, Sierra Leone's run, led by star forward Momoh Kamara, marks them as a rising force in African youth football. 7. South Africa Dig Deep, Find a Way Amajita had to survive a bruising physical battle with DR Congo before Thabang Mahlangu struck in extra time. Their collective unity and compact defensive shape proved vital and will be key against Nigeria in the semi-final. 8. North Africa Dominate Again Two of the final four teams—Egypt and Morocco—hail from North Africa, reinforcing the region's growing reputation for structured, technical football at youth level. A semi-final showdown between the two will not only be a derby but a tactical chess match.
CAF
12-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
AFCON U20 Group Stage MVPs: Rising stars who lit up Egypt 2025
Published: Monday, 12 May 2025 The group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 concluded on Friday, 9 May 2025. The eight nations that secured their places in the quarter-finals are: Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Sierra Leone, DR Congo, and South Africa. This opening phase of the tournament delivered on all fronts — thrills, tension, and breakout performances — with each match producing new talents and dramatic storylines. The top individual performers were honoured with Man of the Match awards in recognition of their impact on the field. Mohamed Abdalla, who scored the only goal in Egypt's tournament-opening victory over South Africa, was the first player to be awarded the Man of the Match trophy. Since then, 19 more players have received the honour over the 22 matches played so far. Only two players — Sierra Leone's hat-trick hero Momoh Kamara and Zambia's midfield dynamo Joseph Banda — received the MVP award twice during the highly competitive group stage. Below is a full list of MVPs whose brilliance lit up the group stage and represent the future of African football: Group Stage MVPs: Egypt 1-0 South Africa Man of the Match: Joseph Banda (Zambia) Zambia 0-0 Sierra Leone Man of the Match: Joseph Banda (Zambia) South Africa 1-0 Tanzania Man of the Match: Shakeel April (South Africa) Sierra Leone 4-1 Egypt Man of the Match: Momoh Kamara (hat-trick) Nigeria 1-0 Tunisia Man of the Match: Auwal Ibrahim (Nigeria) Kenya 2-3 Morocco Man of the Match: Othmane Maamma (Morocco) Senegal 1-1 Central African Republic Man of the Match: Cheikh Thiam (Senegal) DR Congo 1-1 Ghana Man of the Match: Abdul Hakim Sulemana (Ghana) Tanzania 0-1 Sierra Leone Man of the Match: Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone) Egypt 0-0 Zambia Man of the Match: Ahmed Abdin (Egypt) Tunisia 3-1 Kenya Man of the Match: Nacim Dandani (Tunisia) Morocco 0-0 Nigeria Man of the Match: Daniel Bameyi (Nigeria) Central African Republic 1-3 DR Congo Man of the Match: Noah Makanza (DR Congo) Ghana 1-0 Senegal Man of the Match: Emmanuel Mensah (Ghana) Zambia 1-0 Tanzania Man of the Match: Joseph Banda (Zambia) Sierra Leone 1-4 South Africa Man of the Match: Tylon Smith (South Africa) Nigeria 2-2 Kenya Man of the Match: Injehu Wangaya (Kenya) Tunisia 1-3 Morocco Man of the Match: Ayman Arguigue (Morocco) Senegal 2-0 DR Congo Man of the Match: Ibrahima Dieng (Senegal) Central African Republic 0-1 Ghana Man of the Match: Abdul Aziz Issah (Ghana) Tanzania 0-1 Egypt Man of the Match: Abdelmonem Tamer (Egypt) South Africa 1-1 Zambia Man of the Match: Lazola Maku (South A frica)
CAF
11-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Group Stage highlights
The group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 came to an exciting close on Friday, with eight nations confirming their respective places in the quarter-finals of the ongoing competition in Egypt. With the closely contested group phase officially coming to an end and the quarter-finals set to kick off on Monday, CAFOnline takes a look some interesting highlights and statistics of the group phase. Momoh Kamara of Sierra Leone stole the spotlight on an individual level. His clinical finishing saw him top the scoring charts with four goals, putting him in prime position for the Golden Boot. South Africa's Kutlwano Letlhaku's early 8th minute strike against Zambia in their final Group A match is the quickest strike in the group stages. His goal contributed to Amajita being counted amongst the highest scoring teams with 6 goals along with Sierra Leone and reigning champions, Senegal. From stunning long-range strikes to late drama, the group stage delivered memorable moments across all venues. TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Group Stage Highlights: Top Goalscorer: Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone) – 4 goals Quickest Goal Scored: Kutlwano Letlhaku (South Africa) – 8th minute vs Zambia Team with Most Goals Scored: Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa – 6 goals Team with the best goal difference: Morocco, South Africa - 3 Team with Most Points: Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, South Africa, Sierra Leone – 7 points Team with Least Goals Conceded: Ghana, Zambia - 1 Biggest victory: Sierra Leone 4 – 1 Egypt, South Africa 4 – 1 Sierra Leone Highest scoring matches 5 goals: Sierra Leone 4 – 1 Egypt, South Africa 4 – 1 Sierra Leone Least goals scored: Morocco 0 – 0 Nigeria, Egypt 0 – 0 Zambia
CAF
11-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
TotalEnergies CAF U20 AFCON Group Stage Best XI named, Sierra Leone's Kamara stars
Published: Sunday, 11 May 2025 Sierra Leone star Momoh Kamara has been named in the official Best XI of the group stage at the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, as announced by the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG). The dynamic playmaker, who scored four goals in four matches, was instrumental in Sierra Leone's historic qualification for the quarter-finals in their debut appearance at the tournament. Kamara's performances earned him a clean sweep of individual honours, taking home the awards for Best Player and Top Scorer of the group stage. The TSG of the comeptition selected a balanced 1-4-2-3-1 formation for the Team of the Group Stage, recognising standout performers across the competition's 20 matches. Zambia's Levison Banda was named Best Goalkeeper and takes his place between the posts, with a defensive line comprising Nigeria's Odinaka Okoro and Daniel Bameyi, Ghana's Dacosta Antwi, and Sierra Leone's Nathaniel Jalloh. In midfield, South Africa's Lazola Maku and Kenya's Kevin Wangaya provide the engine, while Kamara is flanked in attack by Morocco's Othmane Maamma and Zambia's Joseph Sabobo. DR Congo forward Samuel Ntanda-Lukisa leads the line after his two goals helped secure his side's progression. Morocco's Mohamed Ouahbi was named Best Coach for guiding his injury-hit squad to an unbeaten group stage finish. Ghana received the Fair Play Award for exemplary discipline throughout the opening round. With the knockout phase set to begin on Monday, the spotlight will remain firmly on these standout players as they look to inspire their nations toward continental glory. CAF U20 AFCON Egypt 2025 – Group Stage Best XI (1-4-2-3-1): Goalkeeper: Defenders:2. Nathaniel Jalloh – Sierra Leone3. Odinaka Okoro – Nigeria4. Daniel Bameyi – Nigeria 5. Dacosta Antwi – Ghana Midfielders:6. Kevin Wangaya – Kenya7. Lazola Maku – South Africa 8. Momoh Kamara – Sierra Leone Forwards:9. Joseph Sabobo – Zambia10. Othmane Maamma – Morocco 11. Samuel Ntanda-Lukisa – DR Congo Individual Awards (Group Stage): 🏆 Best Player: Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone) 🥅 Best Goalkeeper: Levison Banda (Zambia) ⚽ Top Scorer: Momoh Kamara (4 goals, Sierra Leone) 👔 Best Coach: Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco) 🏅 Fair Play Team: Ghana
