'Very proud' - Denis Bouanga discusses scoring dramatic clinching goal for LAFC to earn Club World Cup berth

Los Angeles Football Club v Sporting Kansas City

The winger claimed scoring the qualifying goal for the Black and Gold in their playoff match vs. Club America was one his proudest moments in MLS

WHAT HAPPENED

Denis Bouanga scored a crucial goal in a 2-1 win over Club America that secured Los Angeles FC's historic qualification for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, describing it as "a magic moment" and "the best goal in my career in terms of emotions." The Gabon international's strike against Club America not only earned LAFC their place in the prestigious global tournament but also sparked emotional celebrations throughout the stadium that Bouanga labeled "a really unique and unforgettable moment."

“Yes, personally, I’m very proud,” Bounaga told FIFA.com when asked how proud he is to take part in the Club World Cup. ”It was a final; we won it, and it’s wonderful for Los Angeles. For me, it was a magic moment, and the best goal in my career in terms of emotions. When I saw the ball go in, I had goosebumps.

“It felt so good to see the entire stadium erupt and see my family happy too. Seeing a whole squad come together, drawing the game level, then scoring this goal that meant we qualified, was a really unique and unforgettable moment for me.”

Bouanga also admitted that he believes the resilience and the desire to achieve wins, even when the odds are against them, is something that defines LAFC.

“I think so. Throughout the game and over the years, we’ve shown that we have a flawless mindset and that with a great deal of desire, you can win games and, more importantly, draw them level," he said. "I think we have a very good squad that can overcome these scorelines and achieve great things in this tournament.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Gabon international also touched upon LAFC’s ambitions for the tournament and revealed that their objective is simply to win matches and hopes they can emulate the atmosphere they had against Club America.

“Our objective is simply winning matches,” he explained. “To face big teams, and to see where we are, to compare those teams to other MLS teams too. I personally hope we can win games and that we can emulate the same atmosphere that [we experienced against] Club America. I also hope that LAFC comes out of this tournament even stronger.

“My personal goal is to simply score goals, make a difference, and provide assists. I want to show my best form to the world, score, and do my flip [when celebrating a goal]. I feel really good here. I’ve got everything I need to do well, and I feel I'm at the top of my game.”

DID YOU KNOW?

LAFC have been placed in Group D at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup alongside Premier League side Chelsea, Tunisian side Esperance Sportive de Tunis, and Brazilian outfit Flamengo.

Los Angeles Football Club v Sporting Kansas City

WHAT’S NEXT?

LAFC will kick off their 2025 Club World Cup on June 16 against Chelsea in Atlanta, before turning to take on Eperance De Tunis on June 20 in Nashville, with their Group Stage finale coming against Flamengo on June 24 in Orlando.