Latest news with #ZoneA
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.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🚨 Boca Juniors line-up confirmed against Tigre
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. The 'Xeneize' visit the 'Matador' at the José Dellagiovanna Stadium for Matchday 16 of the 2025 Apertura Tournament in the Argentine Professional Football League (LPF). Advertisement After the setback in the Superclásico and the departure of Fernando Gago, Boca Juniors take the field in the final matchday of the regular phase of the 2025 Apertura Tournament with the goal of securing all three points to finish at the top of Zone A in the Professional Football League (LPF). 'Xeneize' have accumulated 32 points and are currently second to Argentinos Juniors by just one point, so they absolutely need to win this afternoon to reclaim the lead heading into the round of 16. Boca Juniors' starting eleven Mariano Herrón, once again appointed as interim coach, is fielding his best players. Tigre, meanwhile, have also secured qualification for the round of 16 but are aiming for a home victory that would allow them to climb a few spots, avoid a tougher matchup, and benefit from home advantage.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Boca lose the Superclásico and Gago's future hangs in the balance
Boca lose the Superclásico and Gago's future hangs in the balance This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. This Sunday's Superclásico had no relevance in terms of scores and positions: River and Boca already had their place secured in the round of 16 that will start to define the Opening 2025 of the Professional Football League. Advertisement But a confrontation with the historic rival always weighs too much. And Boca Juniors, who arrived at the Monumental with a five-man defense, failed to gain a foothold and lost a match in which they were always uncomfortable. Is this the final point for Fernando Gago at Boca Juniors? Fernando Gago's cycle at Boca was already severely affected by the early elimination from the Copa Libertadores, in the preliminary round, against Alianza Lima. In that fateful tie, which left Xeneize without its most symbolic and important competition, considerable doubts arose about the coach's continuity. Finally, Gago was ratified, and began to gradually rebuild the team's confidence and, thus, also his tranquility at the helm and his continuity, based on play and results. Advertisement A perfect winning streak in the local tournament, now the only one they compete in, calmed the waters at Xeneize. However, this defeat at the Monumental defeat threatens to put the coach's entire cycle and Boca's season in doubt again. It is very likely that the coach will continue until the end of this tournament, in which, despite this fall, he can still finish as leader of Zone A, if he wins on the last matchday against Tigre. In the round of 16, he would play against the eighth classified in Zone B. The chances of a Superclásico being repeated in the defining instances are still valid, and that can be a great option for the coach's vindication. Advertisement If not, he only has to win the title. Will he achieve it? 📸 ALEJANDRO PAGNI - AFP or licensors
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🤔 What does Boca need to qualify for the Apertura's round of 16?
🤔 What does Boca need to qualify for the Apertura's round of 16? 🤔 What does Boca need to qualify for the Apertura's round of 16? This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here. Boca is visiting Belgrano in Córdoba tonight for matchday 13 of the Apertura tournament, being the great leader of Zone A. Advertisement Currently, the Xeneize has 26 points and in the preview, it has a nine-point difference over Defensa y Justicia, who is in ninth position, that is, the last one that would be left out. After this matchday is played, there will be nine points left in play. Therefore, Boca has two possible scenarios: With a victory, they qualify directly. With a draw, they qualify if Racing does not win and either Barracas Central or Defensa y Justicia lose. 📸 Marcelo Endelli - 2025 Getty Images
