Mohamed Kamara’s best game
There’s an eclectic range of players on show at the African Cup of Nations, from household names like Mo Salah to amateur players still playing in their native countries. As is the case for so many leagues in less reputable nations not much is known about the players, the great drive for data has no bearing in much of Africa. As such, these hidden gems can be unearthed when the veil is pulled back during international tournaments. That is the case for Sierra Leone goalkeeper, Mohamed Kamara. The 22-year-old currently plays for Sierra Leone Premier League side, East End Lions.
To set the scene, Algeria are the reigning champions, they haven’t lost in their previous 34 games and registered 1.73xG in this game. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone haven’t qualified for the tournament in the past three decades and have never made it past the first round of the cup.
From the outset Sierra Leone were the underdogs, as such coach, John Keister set them up to nullify Algeria in a 4231 which transitioned into a midblock 442. In the first half midfielders Quee and John Kamara marked Brahimi and Feghouli quashing their respective creativity through the middle of the pitch. Sierra Leone afforded Algeria’s back line and deep lying playmaker, Belkebla, time on the ball forcing them to play long balls into the channels or over the top of the slightly higher defensive line. Keister’s tactical setup left space in behind that relied upon a sweeper keeper able to mop up.
From the outset Kamara was rushing out, admittedly failing in his first attempt as Slimani dragged a Mahrez through ball too wide. He found his timing after that uninspiring rush, later slide tackling Slimani on the edge of the D, a last ditch tackle any centre-back would be proud of.
Algeria turned up the pressure in the second half amassing 1.54 xG of their total 1.73, pushing Brahimi and Feghouli further up with each dropping off at random times to pull apart the defensive line. Kamara matched them for every shot, with reflex saves against Brahimi and Mahrez’s drilled shot particularly impressive. He continued charging out of his area with a flying header preventing Slimani from capitalising on another lobbed pass.
It’s difficult to contextualise a player without comparing him to more familiar ones. In the case of Kamara, he comprises the rushing ability of Manuel Neuer without perhaps the passing range and upwards save style. It’s difficult to compare his reflex save style to any European goalkeeper, but there are perhaps similarities to the diminutive Jorge Campos. He’s unorthodox and eccentric, often scrambling across his box at great speed.
Come the full time whistle Kamara broke down in tears after receiving the man of the match award. If there’s one thing any viewer should take away it’s just how much this tournament means to so many players. Not to mention the $4500 appearance and result bonus he’ll receive, Kamara, a goalkeeper for East End Lions in the Sierra Leone Premier league has just played the game of his life on the biggest stage.
Regardless of how Sierra Leone progress in the tournament, Mohamed Kamara’s future is unlikely to reside back home for too much longer with performances like that.
