This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
Musa Juwara, an 18-year-old Gambian forward, has achieved a remarkable milestone in his football career, scoring his first Serie A goal for Bologna in a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan on Sunday.
July 6, 2020 - Juwara's incredible journey to the top level of Italian football was capped in style when he equalised for Bologna at San Siro, a stadium he had previously only dreamed of playing at.
After arriving in Italy unaccompanied as a child in 2016, Juwara was orphaned and brought up by his grandfather. He was later adopted by an Italian couple who helped him fight the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) for the right to play following his arrival in Europe.
Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb, Juwara dedicated his goal to his family and all those who have helped him along the way, saying, “I dedicate this goal to my family and all those who have helped me along the way.”
He also thanked Bologna coach Sinisa Mihajlovic for giving him confidence against Inter, saying, “I thank the coach so much for giving me confidence against Inter, I’m very happy to have scored my first goal.”
With his first goal, Juwara has now made his mark in the Serie A, a feat all the more remarkable given he was embroiled in a legal battle with the FIGC in 2017 just to be allowed to sign for Chievo due to a rule preventing exploitation of child immigrants.
Bologna host Sassuolo on Wednesday, when the ninth-placed side will be hoping Juwara can continue to defy the odds as they bid to launch a late challenge for Europa League qualification.
