By alusinerehme.wilson@awokonewspaper.sl
Makeni, SIERRA LEONE – In a remarkable debut season, English-born forward Abu Kamara, with Sierra Leonean heritage, has played a pivotal role in Portsmouth Football Club’s ascent to the English Championship after a twelve-year hiatus.
The 20-year-old, whose father, Unisa Kamara, serves as a high-court judge in Sierra Leone, joined Portsmouth on a season-long loan deal from Norwich City last July. Since then, he has become a mainstay in Coach John Mousinho’s starting XI, featuring in every League One match for Pompey.
A sensational Tuesday comeback against 5th-place Barnsley, with goals from Kamara’s teammates in the 9th, 83rd, and 89th minutes, secured a thrilling 3-2 victory at home, sealing Portsmouth’s promotion to the English Championship as League One champions.
With two games remaining, Kamara’s side leads the League One table with 94 points from 44 games, positioning them eight points ahead of closest contenders Derby County. Should they win their last two encounters against Wigan Athletic and Lincoln City Football Club, Pompey could finish the season with an impressive 100 points.
Kamara’s dedication to Portsmouth has been evident throughout the season, amassing 3,187 minutes on the pitch, scoring eight goals, and providing 10 assists in 44 league games. His market value, currently at 600,000 Euros, is expected to soar by the end of the season.
Beyond his contributions to Portsmouth’s success, Kamara has achieved personal milestones across various leagues, including the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and EFL Trophy, totaling 3,596 minutes with a remarkable goal contribution of 21.
As the English football season draws to a close, Kamara’s stellar progress could have significant implications for the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone. Amidu Karim, the head coach of the Sierra Leone Senior National Team, has extended an invitation to Kamara, offering him the opportunity to represent Sierra Leone in upcoming matches, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2025 AFCON Qualifiers. ARW/18/4/2024