After netting his much-anticipated first Hyundai A-League goal, Elvis Kamsoba gave credit to his younger brother who predicted the Melbourne Victory forward would finally break his competition duck.
The 24-year-old Burundi international had not scored in 22 league appearances for the Navy Blue, but netted three minutes after coming off the bench in Victory’s emphatic 4-0 win against Perth Glory at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
Kamsoba's stunning 92nd-minute strike prompted his trademark acrobatic backflip celebration, which he became renowned for during his time playing in the National Premier Leagues for Avondale FC.
And his maiden goal arrived just nine days after his 20-year-old brother Pacifique Niyongabire opened his own Hyundai A-League account for Adelaide United – and produced the same jaw-dropping display of gymnastics.
“[My brother] actually told me today ‘when you come on today, you’re going to score’,” Kamsoba said.
“It happened so I’ve got to thank him for that.”
He added: “He’s always telling me, ‘Elvis, keep going, keep going. You’re good enough. You’re going to score, you’re going to get chances.’ That’s what I did. I got my chance and I took it.”
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Victory’s interim coach Grant Brebner fielded four teenagers from the start against fifth-placed Glory, and introduced two more from the bench, as the Hyundai A-League strugglers shocked one of the genuine Championship contenders.
Birkan Kirkar recorded an assist for Marco Rojas’ second goal during an impressive display and the 18-year-old insists he is determined to kick on with his Victory career if his contract is renewed next season.
“I’m out of contract after this season,” Kirdar said.
“We’ll see what happens next season. I feel like I have a lot to offer Victory so if Victory want me, I’m obviously going to stay here.”
He added: “For the past three years they have been supporting me non-stop. Through my ups and my downs, they’ve always been there for me.”
After marking his 38th birthday by conceding four goals, Perth Glory goalkeeper Liam Reddy admitted his Finals Series-chasing side have some soul-searching to do.
The veteran gloveman apologised to Perth’s members and fans for the team’s display and believes his teammates were ‘outplayed in every aspect of the game.’
“What a s**t day. It’s definitely ruined my birthday,” Reddy said.
“Luckily I’ve got a good roommate and I might just have a glass of red wine and contemplate that poor performance from all of us.”
Next Match
- Perth Glory v Western United
When: Wednesday, 12 August
Where: Bankwest Stadium
Kick-off: 5.35pm (AEST)
- Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne Victory
When: Wednesday, 12 August
Where: Bankwest Stadium
Kick-off: 8.10pm (AEST)
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