Ilay Camara delivered a moment of brilliance before injury forced him off as Anderlecht claimed a commanding 3-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League third qualifying round tie.
Making his first start of the season, the Senegalese international right-back was instrumental in the Mauves’ opening goal.
In the 17th minute, Camara surged forward and delivered an exquisite cross from the right flank, finding Nilson Angulo, who executed a superb volley to give Anderlecht the lead.
The assist continued Camara’s strong start to the campaign, having also set up a goal in the weekend’s league clash against Cercle Bruges.
However, the 22-year-old, who had missed the start of the season through injury, appeared to suffer a setback just past the half-hour mark.
After a sprint down the touchline, he pulled up and clutched the back of his thigh, signalling to the bench.
He was substituted moments later, leaving coach Besnik Hasi with an early reshuffle.
Despite the blow, Anderlecht maintained their control of the match.
Their dominance was rewarded shortly after Camara’s departure, with a well-worked move culminating in a second goal that put Sheriff under significant pressure.
The Belgian side’s intensity and fluid attacking play continued into the second half, and they added a third to all but seal the tie before the return leg in Moldova.
Camara’s early exit will be a concern for Anderlecht’s medical staff, given his recent recovery from injury.
The defender, who previously featured for RWD Molenbeek and Standard Liège, has quickly become an important figure in Hasi’s system, offering both defensive stability and attacking creativity from the flanks.
The win leaves Anderlecht in a strong position ahead of next week’s trip to Tiraspol, but the focus will also be on whether Camara can recover in time to feature.
Pas mal. 1-0 Sporting. 🟣⚪
▸ Volg de rest wedstrijd live via Mauve TV.📺
— RSC Anderlecht (@rscanderlecht) August 7, 2025
His performance, though brief, once again underlined his value to the team — a precise delivery and intelligent movement that unlocked a disciplined Sheriff defence.
For Sheriff, the heavy defeat leaves them with a mountain to climb, needing at least three goals at home to force extra time.
Against an Anderlecht side that looked confident, compact, and clinical, that task appears daunting.
The Mauves will now aim to finish the job in the second leg, but all eyes will also be on the fitness report for Camara, whose flair and precision crossing have already proven decisive this season.
