On-loan Norwich City attacker Abu Kamara is setting a high standard after scoring twice in a 3-0 away win over Shrewsbury, which moved Portsmouth seven points clear at the top of League One.
The 20-year-old has emerged as a key figure for Pompey throughout the season, scoring his sixth goal in 27 appearances on Saturday.
City manager David Wagner did include a January recall option, but John Mousinho stated prior to the weekend that he would be’surprised’ if the Canaries chose to bring Kamara back to Carrow Road.
Kamara, who has been linked with Brentford and German club Frieburg ahead of the January transfer window, is under contract at Carrow Road until 2025, with a one-year club option.
The academy product is already a fan favorite on the south coast, and his match-winning performance at Shrewsbury was lauded by the travelling Pompey fans.
“I’m not really someone who does that kind of thing, so I was a bit wary when the boys told me to go over there, but I know it gets the fans going,” he said on Pompey’s official YouTube channel. “Two goals and three points – I couldn’t ask for anything more.” It was probably the ideal day off for me.
“I don’t think I touched the ball in the first ten minutes because Shrewsbury were so compact and good.” But I could tell from the way the game was going that there was a goal in it for me.
“However, after the first goal, they began to press us a little more, which gave us a lot more space to work with.”
“It was a long throw for Marlon (Pack), and once the ball was in the air, I saw the flight of the ball and thought, ‘Why not?'” I saw it bounce in the box, and their man tried to drag me down, but I punched him in the face. I didn’t know where the ball had gone because I have long legs, but when I looked up, it was in the back of the net.
“Going in at 1-0 forces them to play aggressively. That gave us a lot more room to create opportunities. ‘Just keep the gas on,’ said the manager.
“Chris (Saydee) got it on the half-turn for the second one, and I ran into the space.” He found me, and the touch was good, so I swung my boot at it, and it flew into the net. Good times.
“I find it more comfortable to sit on the right (flank).” I had a great time celebrating with the fans.
“I was disappointed not to get a hat-trick because I always want as many goals and assists as I can.” However, it was probably for the best.
“The vibes in the squad are great right now, and everyone is buzzing.” We are extremely close. What we practice translates into the games. Hopefully, we can maintain our lead at the top of the table.”
