Camara credits Senegal team-mates for accolade

Camara Lamine of Senegal celebrates scoring the opening goal during the 2022 CAF African Nations Championship Quarterfinal match between Senegal and Mauritania held at 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba, Algeria on 27 January 2023 ©Djaffar Lakjal/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Monday Jan 30, 2023. 13:31

Senegal starlet Lamine Camara was quick to attribute his Best Young Player award at the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) as a group effort.

The 19-year-old midfielder won the accolade for his performances in the group stages and only enhanced his reputation with a match-winning penalty against Mauritania in the quarter-finals.

Camara admitted to feeling some pressure on Friday when he stepped up to the spot in the 34th minute, having failed to convert a penalty in the 1-0 win over Ivory Coast first up in the tournament.

The Lions of Teranga had also missed from 12 yards out against Uganda in the group stages and Camara stressed the importance of being successful at the third attempt.

“I did not initially expect that but due to the work we have done, credit has to be given to the group”, he said.

“It was a tough game but we prepared for it. We played well and eventually went through. We had some history with missed penalties. It was important that we put the records of missed penalties to bed and convert this one which we did.

“I had pressure because I already missed a penalty in the group stage and I couldn’t afford to miss this.”