Fifteen-year-old Mohamed Toure described the moment of becoming the youngest ever goal scorer in the Hyundai A-League as a “surreal” feeling.
After being the second youngest Reds player to receive his Hyundai A-League debut last weekend, the prodigious youngster again made history by bagging his first goal in the competition in Adelaide United’s 2-0 win over Central Coast Mariners.
Toure was involved in the build-up to George Blackwood’s screamer before converting Riley McGree’s exceptional run and lowly-driven cross on the six-yard box to double United’s advantage.
Speaking in a post-match interview with Fox Sports, Mohamed, the younger brother of fellow Reds attacker, Al Hassan Toure, said he was still processing what he had just achieved.
“It feels surreal,” he explained, a day after signing a three-year scholarship contract.
“Never thought of doing it in a million years, not at fifteen so it’s an amazing feeling especially in front of my friends and family.”
The former Croydon Kings and NTC attacker said Head Coach, Gertjan Verbeek’s advice was simple and to play with freedom.
“He said come in and do your thing down the wing,” he revealed.
“Look to get us a goal and I think I tried my best to get the team 2-0 up.”
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Al Hassan, 19, enjoyed a similar breakout with the Reds when he made his debut back in August last year, enjoying a successful FFA Cup 2019 campaign which carried into the league season.
He said that he and his family was aware of Mohamed’s potential.
“We always knew that he had it in him like the rest of the family,” he also told Fox Sports’ Robbie Cornthwaite post game.
“My dad has taught us well, always to have a strong mind.
“He’s been telling us to play how we feel.”
Al Hassan added that he imparted some valuable words of advice to his younger brother during the last fortnight to ensure he remains grounded.
“I told him to keep a cool head, because in football there’s ups and downs,” he stated.
“You might be up one day and the next minute you are down.
“And you always have to learn from your experiences, but he’s shown that he can play in this league and he’s good enough.
“He just needs a couple more years of experience and I think he’ll be a good player.”
The 19-year-old has scored seven goals in all competitions this term, but is currently nursing a foot injury he sustained while helping the Olyroos qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and provided an update on how he was tracking.
“I’ve been out for two weeks now,” Al Hassan said.
“I’ve another two weeks in the boot, then four weeks of running so I should be back soon.
“Firstly, I’m just thinking of getting out of the boot first and doing my rehab properly.
“The Club has been taking good care of me, (Head Physiotherapist) Nafyn (Pattiaratchi) and (Strength and Conditioning Coach) Django (Gentilcore) with the gym programs and rehab and the Club has really helped me and hopefully I can get back on the pitch soon.”
Adelaide United face Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 20 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Friday, 21 February at Bankwest Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
