The Senegal national team secured a comfortable 3-0 victory against Gambia on Monday, signaling a changing of the guard and the emergence of a new sensation.
Contrary to expectations, the spotlight did not fall on Senegal’s star player, Sadio Mane, but instead, a 20-year-old midfield prodigy, Lamine Camara, stole the show, showcasing skills that establish him as a rising force in African football.
Camara, the diminutive yet immensely talented midfielder, shone brightly in the match, scoring two outstanding goals and dominating the midfield.
Turning twenty just two weeks ago, Camara’s stature may be modest, but his extraordinary performance hints at the potential to overshadow Sadio Mane, the stalwart of Senegal’s football hierarchy.
Meet Lamine Camara: A Rising Sensation
Preferably playing in the midfield, Camara possesses the versatility to contribute both offensively and defensively, adapting to the demands of the game.
A product of the renowned Senegalese academy “Generation Foot,” he follows in the footsteps of the country’s historical football stars.
French club FC Metz, famed for spotting young African talents, discovered Camara, and he has become a key player in the French league this season.
Recognizing his talent, Senegal’s national coach Aliou Cisse recommended Camara for the local edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2023, where he not only made a name for himself but also led Senegal to victory.
Subsequently, Cisse included him in the World Cup qualifiers, relying on him in the recent matches against South Sudan and Togo.
Camara earned the highest rating in Senegal’s first AFCON match (9.2), stealing the limelight from stars like Sadio Mane, Ismaïla Sarr, and Kalidou Koulibaly.
As European clubs set their sights on him, offers are expected to pour in for Camara, especially considering his market value, currently below 4 million euros, which may escalate rapidly post AFCON.
The era of Mane seems to be fading, making way for the ascent of Lamine Camara in Senegal’s football landscape.
