By: alusinerehme.wilson@awokonewspapersl.com
Makeni, SIERRA LEONE – Mohamed Kamara turned 20 in style on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, delivering a birthday performance to remember by scoring Sierra Leone’s lone goal in a 4-1 defeat against South Africa at the Suez Canal Stadium in Egypt.
The Shooting Stars captain now leads the race for the Golden Boot at the ongoing 2025 TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), bringing his tournament tally to four goals. Kamara had already made headlines with a sensational hat-trick in Sierra Leone’s emphatic 4-1 win over hosts Egypt earlier in the group stage.
With two Man of the Match performances and the distinction of being the only player to net a hat-trick so far in the tournament, Kamara is not just chasing goals—he’s chasing history. No Sierra Leonean has ever won the U20 AFCON Golden Boot, but Kamara is now just a few matches away from changing that narrative.
The gifted forward, who recently signed with Major League Soccer side Minnesota United FC, continues to draw attention for his sharp instincts, clinical finishing, and leadership on the pitch. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has already dubbed him “a player to watch” as the tournament heats up.
Despite Tuesday’s loss, Sierra Leone have already secured a spot in the quarterfinals and are set to face either Morocco or Nigeria on Monday, May 12. Kamara remains focused not just on personal glory but on helping Sierra Leone go all the way in their debut AFCON U20 campaign.
“If we stay united and focused, there’s no limit to what we can achieve,” Kamara said after the match. “We’re proud to represent Sierra Leone and show the world what we’re capable of.”
A Golden Boot would be a historic personal milestone—but for Kamara and the Shooting Stars, the real prize is a place in the final and a ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup. ARW/8/5/2025
