Speedy young striker Abrahim Yango has played just a handful of games for the Roar first team but is fast developing a reputation for making things happen with his cameo performances off the bench.
The then 18-year-old turned heads when he made his Hyundai A-League debut against Melbourne Victory in the second last game of the 2014/15 regular season and again a week later against Newcastle Jets.
Yango also had Liverpool FC defenders on their toes when he came on as a second-half substitute in last month’s international club friendly.
And Yango was in the thick of the action yet again when he came on as an 80th minute substitute in the Roar’s Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 tie against Western Sydney Wanderers FC last week and put the ball in the net four minutes later.
The effort was ruled offside, and television replays were inconclusive, although it was clearly very close.
But Yango is certain he came from an onside position to meet Brandon Borrello’s cross and wonders if the match officials didn’t allow for blinding speed in getting past the last defender to side foot into the Wanderers’ net.
But the 1-0 loss to the Wanderers is history and Yango has his focus firmly on the Roar’s Pre-Season Tour of South-East Queensland which kicks off against Melbourne Victory at Southport’s Fankhauser Reserve on Wednesday (kick off 7pm).
Yango, who scored six goals in six games for the Young Roar in the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Queensland before his promotion to the first-team training squad, is keen to impress Roar Head Coach John Aloisi and says he won’t hold back if he gets some more game minutes in the pre-season.
The youngster, who celebrated his 19th birthday last week, says he hopes to be in the thick of the action again if he gets a chance.
“It just happens, I don’t know why. I love to get into the game. I just love the game, I am passionate about it and try as hard as I can every time I am on the field,”Yango said.
“My goal is to get as many games as I can and enjoy my football.”
Yango was born in the western African country of Liberia. His mother is Liberian and is father is from Guinea.
He moved to Brisbane when he was eight as is another graduate of the prestigious football program at Cavendish Road State High School.
Although usually a winger, Yango played in the centre of the forward line when he replaced the injured Jamie Maclaren against the Wanderers.
“I don’t really mind where the coach plays me. I love playing anywhere,” Yango said.
While Maclaren’s knee injury has him doubtful for the Victory game, the good news for the Roar is the return to regular training of defender Jerome Polenz and midfielder Steven Lustica.
Defenders Daniel Bowles (back) and Corey Brown (quad) are also making strong progress in their rehabs and are expected back to full training soon.
Tickets for the Roar versus Victory game start from $5 (children) and $10 (adults), plus booking fee, and can be bought by clicking here.
All pre-sale tickets will go into the running to win an autographed Brisbane Roar-Steadfast jersey.
Tickets will also be available at the gate.
Tickets will go on sale soon for the Roar’s other Pre-Season Tour matches next month against Newcastle Jets (Cleveland), PS4NPLQLD Under-23 All-Stars (QSAC, Nathan) and Central Coast Mariners (Sunshine Coast).
