AFCON 2023 - Lamine Camara: "We want to relive those same moments"
Named best young player at the 2023 CAF Awards, Lamine Camara is set to play in his first AFCON with Senegal and hopes to win it.
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You're about to play in your first major tournament with Senegal's senior side. What's your frame of mind going into the AFCON?
Lamine Camara: It's true that it's my first, but I'll try to draw on the one I played with the juniors and the CHAN. I feel good, we've had a good preparation. I'm just trying to concentrate as hard as I can to be ready and, why not, complete the treble and win another trophy.
Do you remember what you were doing when Senegal won the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon?
Lamine Camara: I remember it very well. Like a lot of Senegalese people, I was in front of the television watching the penalty shootout. It's something that stayed with me, that first African champions title for the country. I was very happy. It's a moment that will stay etched in the memory. Now it's a new tournament. We'll be out on the pitch trying to do the same thing and keep hold of that title.
Read more on the subject: CAF Awards: Lamine Camara named best young African player
As you win every competition you play in, won't you become Senegal's good-luck charm?
Lamine Camara: Why not (laughs). We want to be winners again and relive those same moments. For my part, I'll try to contribute to the team and do what I do best when the coach calls on me...
You're coming off an exceptional 2023 after winning the CHAN, then the U20 AFCON, you discovered the senior side and were named best young African player at the CAF Awards. How do you explain this success that follows you around?
Lamine Camara: It's true that last year was wonderful on a personal level in sporting terms. Sometimes I don't realise it. But it's already behind me. Now I also have to look ahead and focus on what's coming with this AFCON. Why not go after more team honours and individual ones too, with the Ballon d'Or for example.
All eyes are inevitably on you with so many trophies, including the best young player award. Doesn't that put pressure on you?
Lamine Camara: Of course there's pressure, but it's not negative. I always stay positive in my head. I know my team-mates trust me, the coach trusts me and is counting on me. So it's up to me to repay that trust and not let them down. I just have to concentrate on my goals, stay focused and above all do what I know how to do to help the team.