Guinea phenom Abdoul Karim Traore scores first goal in Belgium

Young Guinea national team star Abdoul Karim Traore scored his first goal in Belgian football on Thursday, joining countryman Sory Kaba in aiding OH Leuven to a 3-1 victory in the Belgian Cup (Croky Cup) over second tier side RFC Seraing.

The 18-year-old confirmed passage to the Round of 16 for the Belgian Pro League side with a finish from close range in second half stoppage time. After struggling with his opportunities early in the season, Traore came on at halftime and a first goal for Leuven on his eleventh appearance could be a major confidence boost.

Also of note, former Guinea national team striker Sory Kaba turned in a Man of the Match performance with two goals. The towering hitman displayed his 191 cm frame by leaping to nod in the opening goal in the 10th minute before restoring the lead for the visitors in the 62nd minute by going around the Seraing goalkeeper to finish with his left foot.

Abdoul Karim Traore’s rapid rise with Guinea and in French club football

While Kaba has not been involved with the Syli National since 2022, Traore appears to be designated as the future for the Guinea team. The teenager’s first call to the senior team led to an explosive start with three goals in two matches, including both goals in a 2-1 victory at Mozambique that put the Kankan native’s pace and attacking instincts on full display.

The young talent began his professional career in France with FC Bourg-en-Bresse Péronnas, making his first appearances for the club during the 2024-25 season in the French third tier Championnat National with three goals in seventeen appearances. His promising performances prompted Leuven to spend a little over €500,000 to acquire his services:

“Abdoul Karim Traoré is a very explosive and fast attacker who, in just a few months, has shown himself to be a talented footballer. He has a profile that many clubs, both domestically and internationally, are looking for these days, and we are naturally proud that he has chosen us. He can play in various positions, so with Traoré, we have some additional attacking options,” said Leuven CEO Frédéric Van den Steen upon his signing.

It is clear that there is still plenty of experience and consistency to be gained by the Guinean sensation after failing to impress in his first appearances with the club. However, Leuven and Belgium’s top flight appears to be the perfect destination for his development as Traore attempts to optimize his abilities.

Leuven return to Pro League action on Sunday with a home match against Gent. They currently sit in 15th place and are firm candidates for relegation with only nine points from twelve matches so far this season.