LOS ANGELES โ Over the years, Denis Bouanga has netted numerous crucial goals for Los Angeles FC, always marking the occasion with his characteristic front flip. However, none have been as significant or financially rewarding as the one that secured LAFCโs entry into the FIFA Club World Cup by defeating the Liga MX stalwart, Club Amรฉrica.
Bouanga scored a late goal in extra time, lifting LAFC to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Club Amรฉrica in Saturday nightโs play-in match, clinching their place in the prestigious 32-team tournament.
โThis ranks among the best moments of my career,โ Bouanga expressed. โIโm passionate about this team and the sport.โ
Initially trailing as the regulation period wound down, LAFC found salvation when Igor Jesus leveled the score in the 89th minute. Sneaking through the defense, Jesus headed in his first goal for the club.
During 24 intense minutes of extra time, Bouanga emerged as a hero once more, capitalizing on a deflected shot from the top of the penalty area in the 115th minute. This goal set off jubilant celebrations at BMO Stadium as LAFC locked in its inaugural appearance at the Club World Cup. Even coach Steve Cherundolo joined the players in their celebration on the field.
โItโs the culmination of three and a half years of effort and dedication that erupts in that moment,โ remarked Cherundolo, who recently announced plans to leave LAFC at the end of the current season.
LAFC will compete alongside English side Chelsea, Brazilโs Flamengo, and Tunisiaโs ES Tunis as group play kicks off in the U.S. South in just two weeks.
This victory is a significant financial boon for LAFC, guaranteeing them a minimum of $9.55 million in prize money. Furthermore, the club has a shot at claiming nearly $100 million from FIFAโs extensive prize pool.
โThis is an incredible achievement and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,โ Bouanga noted. โIt opens numerous avenues for our clubโs future.โ
The match saw Brian Rodrรญguez put Club Amรฉrica ahead in the second half with a penalty kick against his former team. However, Amรฉrica couldnโt hold the lead despite their fansโ presence, adding to a disappointing week after losing the Clausura final to Toluca.
โEveryoneโs frustration is understandable,โ Amรฉrica coach Andrรฉ Jardine commented through a translator. โOur team feels it tooโฆ Weโve had a long stretch, but weโll return stronger.โ
The opening at the Club World Cup was available because FIFA disqualified Leรณn due to rules prohibiting multiple club participation under the same ownership. Leรณn lost its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after trying to alter its ownership structure.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd supporting both teams, LAFC and Amรฉrica began cautiously, each managing just one shot on goal in the first half.
Rodrรญguez converted after a video review awarded a penalty following Mark Delgadoโs aggressive challenge on Erick Sรกnchez in the 64th minute. Though he entered as a substitute, recovering from an injury, Rodrรญguez capitalized on the opportunity against his former club, where he played from 2019 to 2022.
The dynamics changed for LAFC when Olivier Giroud came in as a substitute. His near goal in the 81st minute was thwarted by Luis Malagรณn, but Bouanga and Giroud maintained offensive pressure until Jesus headed a crucial equalizer.
โIt feels amazing to have made an impact,โ said Jesus via a translator. โWe always believed we could score.โ
Hugo Lloris made a decisive save in the latter half of extra time, stopping Javairรด Dilrosun, before Bouanga delivered the game-winning goal.
โThis tops my personal achievements since joining LAFC,โ Cherundolo said, who was part of the 2022 MLS Cup-winning team. โI am incredibly proud.โ
The matchโs tickets were equally allocated to fans of both clubs. Amรฉrica, with its significant following in Los Angeles, filled the south stands while LAFCโs North End was brimming with support.
The upcoming Club World Cup will be the largest ever, serving as a precursor to the FIFA World Cupโs return to North America in 2026, and will feature clubs like Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders from MLS, alongside Pachuca and Monterrey from Liga MX.