LOS ANGELES — 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 LAFC’s entry into the FIFA Club World Cup by defeating the Liga MX stalwart, Club América.
Bouanga scored a late goal in extra time, lifting LAFC to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Club América in Saturday night’s play-in match, clinching their place in the prestigious 32-team tournament.
“This ranks among the best moments of my career,” Bouanga expressed. “I’m passionate about this team and the sport.”
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.
“It’s the culmination of three and a half years of effort and dedication that erupts in that moment,” remarked Cherundolo, who recently announced plans to leave LAFC at the end of the current season.
LAFC will compete alongside English side Chelsea, Brazil’s Flamengo, and Tunisia’s 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 FIFA’s extensive prize pool.
“This is an incredible achievement and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Bouanga noted. “It opens numerous avenues for our club’s future.”
The match saw Brian Rodríguez put Club América ahead in the second half with a penalty kick against his former team. However, América couldn’t hold the lead despite their fans’ presence, adding to a disappointing week after losing the Clausura final to Toluca.
“Everyone’s frustration is understandable,” América coach André Jardine commented through a translator. “Our team feels it too… We’ve had a long stretch, but we’ll return stronger.”
The opening at the Club World Cup was available because FIFA disqualified León due to rules prohibiting multiple club participation under the same ownership. León 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 América began cautiously, each managing just one shot on goal in the first half.
Rodríguez converted after a video review awarded a penalty following Mark Delgado’s aggressive challenge on Erick Sánchez in the 64th minute. Though he entered as a substitute, recovering from an injury, Rodríguez 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 Malagón, but Bouanga and Giroud maintained offensive pressure until Jesus headed a crucial equalizer.
“It feels amazing to have made an impact,” said Jesus via a translator. “We always believed we could score.”
Hugo Lloris made a decisive save in the latter half of extra time, stopping Javairô Dilrosun, before Bouanga delivered the game-winning goal.
“This tops my personal achievements since joining LAFC,” Cherundolo said, who was part of the 2022 MLS Cup-winning team. “I am incredibly proud.”
The match’s tickets were equally allocated to fans of both clubs. América, with its significant following in Los Angeles, filled the south stands while LAFC’s North End was brimming with support.
The upcoming Club World Cup will be the largest ever, serving as a precursor to the FIFA World Cup’s 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.