‘It feels surreal’ - 15-year-old Toure stunned by historic goal but brother Al Hassan always believed
Mohamed Toure shocked himself when he created Hyundai A-League history in front of his family and school friends but older brother Al Hassan insists his talent was never in doubt.
The 15-year-old prodigy made his home debut for Adelaide United as a 77th-minute substitute with the Reds locked in a goalless battle with the Central Coast Mariners on Friday night.
Seven minuter later, Toure had a hand in George Blackwood’s outstanding opener before finding the back of the net himself from Riley McGree’s driven cross to delight Coopers Stadium.
“It feels surreal,” Toure said.
“I never thought I’d do it in a million years – not at 15.
“It’s an amazing feeling, especially at home in front of the friends and family.”
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That magical moment may have take Mohamed by surprise but not 19-year-old sibling Al Hassan Toure – who announced himself in a similarly spectacular manner, scoring on his home Hyundai A-League debut in the Round 1 season opener against Sydney FC.
Al Hassan went on to star in the 4-0 FFA Cup Final hammering of Melbourne City and took his breakout season to another level when he helped Graham Arnold's Australia U-23 side qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in January. He insists he always had belief in his little brother’s ability.
“We always knew that he had it in him, the rest of the family,” Al Hassan Toure said.
“My dad has taught us well, to have a strong mind and play how you want, not how they have been brought up to play in Australia.
“He’s been telling us to play how we feel and that’s how we’ve been doing.”
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Al Hassan Toure is currently sidelined for eight weeks with a foot injury and is hopeful of returning to Gertjan Verbeek’s side after reports had suggested his maiden professional season would be ended prematurely.
Injuries to Al Hassan Toure, James Troisi and Blackwood have opened the door for Mohamed Toure to earn his chance and the older sibling is guiding his 15-year-old brother every step of the way.
“I told him to keep a cool head because football is ups and downs,” Al Hassan added.
“You might be up one day and the next you are down, and you always have to learn from your experiences.
“He’s shown that he can play in this league and he is good enough.
“Just a couple of more years of experience and I think he will be a good player.”
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Round 20
Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide United
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDT
Venue: Bankwest Stadium
Broadcast: FOX Sports 505
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