After an extensive search for the target, it finally materialized for Camaldine Abraw. Having earned the title of “Man of the Match” in the Telkom Cup quarter-final a few weeks ago, the Togolese player scored his first goal in the South African championship during the Mamelodi Sundowns-Free State Stars match on Wednesday. This encounter, featuring three internationals, brought together Dove Wome, the rising star on the Brazilian side, and Sadat Ouro-Akoriko alongside Abraw in Free State.
Despite Mamelodi securing a 2-1 victory with goals from Malajila (assisted by Wome) and Moriri, the match posed significant challenges. Free State Stars displayed formidable resistance, as evident in Camaldine Abraw’s consolation goal, albeit insufficient. “I am obviously happy to have opened my account, but the defeat did not reward our efforts,” shared the former Chateauroux player, who joined South Africa last August.
Reflecting on his adaptation to the new environment, Abraw stated, “I quickly got my bearings here, and it’s now up to me to give my best on the pitch. The presence of another Togolese, Ouro-Akoriko (pictured on the right), was beneficial, and the coach instills confidence in me. It’s up to me to reciprocate on the field. I hope that this goal will pave the way for more for the team’s benefit (Note: Free State is currently 14th out of 16 teams).”
Camaldine Abraw, born in 2007, is part of the Togo generation that became cadet vice-champions of Africa and world players in the same year in South Korea. In the Sundowns-Free State match, Togolese defender Sadat Ouro-Akoriko earned the title of ‘Man of the Match.’
