The CAF 2023 Award ceremony will take place next Monday, and among the finalists for the Young Player of the Year award are two Senegalese players from FC Metz: Lamine Camara (19) and Amara Diouf (15).
The final trio is completed by Real Betis’ Abde Ezzalzouli (21), being voted ahead of the likes of Moroccan star Bilal El Khannouss (19) and K.A.A. Gent’s top performer Emmanuel Gift Orban (21).
Lamine Camara and Amara Diouf, the future of Senegalese football
Camara started the year off very strong with an impressive string of performances during the u-20 AFCON, pulling off two assists and bagging a brace in the semi-final against Tunisia. Senegal ended up winning the competition, getting the better of Gambia in the final, as Lamine was elected player of the tournament.
The midfielder had joined FC Metz from Génération Foot previous to the tournament, and following it began to make appearances for the first team. This season, the 19-year-old is a regular starter for Les GrenatsI, standing out notably due to his ability to cover ground efficiently to regain possession, as well as his excellent technical quality under pressure.
Amara Diouf, on the other hand, is yet to make an appearance for Metz but has been performing brilliantly for Senegal’s youth teams, notably the u17 squad which participated in the recent u-17 World Cup, where he scored two goals in the first game against Argentina. The 15-year-old made a name for himself when he became the youngest player to ever feature for the Senegal national team, in an AFCON qualification game against Rwanda.
The young forward possesses electric acceleration as well as outstanding flair and technical ability, which make him a threat across the front line.
The two youngsters will be hoping for the best during the ceremony on Monday, to potentially conclude what has been an exceptional season for both in the best possible fashion.
