Guinea qualified for Paris 2024 with 1-0 play-off win over Indonesia. Notwithstanding, midfielder Aguibou Camara was the beneficiary of many post-match praises following their Olympic play-off progress. He was simply compelling, and got the eyes of numerous football fans.
The Men’s Olympic Football Competition starts off in France on 24 July, 2024, with expectation exceptionally high.
Young Guinean Aguibou Camara has been submerged in this culture since 2021, when he joined Olympiacos from Lille. The midfielder was then loaned to Atromitos, situated in suburbia of Athens, the capital of Greece and the origination of the Olympic Games.
Camara has throughout the long term, showed exceptional talent on the field, and has aided the Guinean Olympic side to this point.
The play-off for the 2024 Men’s Olympic Football Competition against Indonesia on Thursday May 9 at Clairefontaine was a paramount day for the Guineans, during which the little playmaker Camara showed ‘class’. He was the superstar in a hard-battled 1-0 win for Kaba Diawara’s men.
“It was like we were playing with 12 guys out there, because Aguibou was absolutely everywhere,” stated coach Diawara. “He’s a fantastic footballer. He’s going to be a key player for us during the Olympic Games, and he’s going to delight the fans.”
Camara pressed the Indonesians with innumerable attacks upfront.
“His football IQ is well above average,” explained team captain Saidou Sow. “Even before the ball gets to his feet, he already knows in his mind what he wants to do with it. There actually aren’t many players like him. It’s a real pleasure to play alongside him because he makes my job easier, and I learn quite a bit just by watching him.”
With 27 minutes in the first half, the talented 22-year-old jumped on a ball lost by Marselino Ferdinan and quickly sent off a dangerous counter-attack, toward the 18-yard box of which the Guineans were granted a penalty after Algassime Bah was stumbled in the box. Ilaix Moriba committed no error from the spot, giving the Africans a significant lead.
Adidas Unveils The Official Team Wear For Paris 2024
Despite his role in creating the goal, Camara’s calm presence preceding the penalty was additionally striking.
“He came up to me just before I took the kick and told me that everything was going to be all right,” said Moriba. “He always knows what to say to keep you calm in that split second. He’s more than a team-mate.”
Camara is more energetic on the pitch, always ready to give something a shot of the normal, for example, his strong shot from the edge of the box which was very much saved by Indonesian goalkeeper Ernando Ari.
“I’d like to see more of him in that area of the field – I think he could really flourish there.” said Diawara, clearly keen for his player to improve on his international scoring record of six goals in 35 appearances (senior and U-23 teams combined).
Those unobtrusive statistics will probably improve as he adds to his prospering footballing portfolio, which as of now includes senior qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup 26™ – he scored in the 2-1 triumph over Uganda – and playing at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in January 2024, where Guinea reached at the quarter-finals.
“We had to maintain our composure [against Indonesia],” coach Diawara added. “Whoever managed to keep their focus would qualify for the Olympic Games. We did well from that point of view. However, we’re going to have to prepare effectively to make up for some of our shortcomings, because the tournament is just around the corner.”
When the final whistle blew at Clairefontaine, it was party time for all the Guinean players.
“We had to maintain our composure [against Indonesia],” coach Diawara added. “Whoever managed to keep their focus would qualify for the Olympic Games. We did well from that point of view. However, we’re going to have to prepare effectively to make up for some of our shortcomings, because the tournament is just around the corner.”
