Denis Bouanga’s decisive extra-time goal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Los Angeles FC over Mexico’s Club América on Saturday, earning the Californian side a coveted spot in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup.
Club América appeared set to progress after former LAFC player Brian Rodriguez calmly converted a penalty in the 64th minute.
However, LAFC responded late, with Brazilian Igor Jesus heading an equalizer in the 89th minute to push the match into extra time.
Then, just five minutes from the end of the second period, Bouanga drilled home the winner, completing a remarkable turnaround.
The tension was tangible throughout, with a boisterous crowd split between the two sides at LAFC’s BMO Stadium.
Though nominally the home team, LAFC faced a de facto neutral atmosphere given California’s large Club América fan base.
This play-in match arose after Mexican club León was banned from the tournament due to ownership conflicts, granting LAFC entry as runners-up in the 2023 CONCACAF Champions League. Club América qualified as the top-ranked team in confederation rankings.
The game featured limited clear chances early on, with Club América enjoying more possession but failing to threaten former France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris significantly.
A VAR-reviewed penalty awarded for a challenge on Erick Sanchez allowed Rodriguez to give América the lead, but his opportunity to seal the game soon after was squandered.
The introduction of veteran striker Olivier Giroud proved crucial, as his presence unsettled the América defense and led to key chances, including a saved header and shot.
However, Jesus’s late header from a Bouanga corner forced extra time.
In extra time, a clever pass from Frankie Amaya set up Giroud, who laid off to Bouanga.
The France-born Gabon international’s fierce shot deflected past the América keeper to seal victory, delivering perhaps the most valuable goal of his LAFC career.
LAFC’s qualification means the United States will have three MLS teams in the Club World Cup, joining the Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami.
The tournament kicks off on June 14, culminating in a July 13 final at MetLife Stadium with a prize exceeding $100 million.
