Denis Bouanga confirms FIFA Club World Cup appearance for Los Angeles FC with extra-time winner

Photo: Los Angeles FC (@LAFC)/X

Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup late Saturday evening after Gabonese star Denis Bouanga scored an extra-time match winner for a 2-1 play-in victory over Mexico's Club América. The match took place in Los Angeles at BMO Stadium.

A ball played to the edge of the Club América penalty area was laid off by Olivier Giroud for the onrushing Bouanga to strike a low shot past goalkeeper Luis Malagón in the 115th minute. Down 0-1 until the late stages of the game, Bouanga provided the corner kick to assist midfielder Igor Jesus' header for a crucial equalizer in the 89th minute to send the game into extra-time.

LAFC received a second chance to qualify for the Club World Cup after it was determined that original qualifiers Club Leon from Mexico could not take part due to having the same owner as another Mexican club, Pachuca. The special play-in match was announced to determine the final participant at the competition which will begin mid-June in the United States.

LAFC will take part in Group D at the competition following Saturday's result, where they join Brazil's Flamengo, English giants Chelsea FC and Tunisian champions Espérance de Tunis. Bouanga and the MLS club will begin play on June 16 against Chelsea.

Bouanga now has 14 goals and 5 assists in 21 games across all competitions for LAFC this season. LAFC return to MLS action next Saturday when they host Sporting Kansas City.