The goal-scoring streak of Divin Mubama continues to the European stage.
The Newham-born striker has struck for the U18s, U21s and now the senior team in 2022/23 after he netted the Hammers’ final goal in a 4-0 UEFA Europa League last 16 second-leg win over AEK Larnaca on Thursday.
Mubama’s strike put the icing on the cake in a tie that was well in the hands of the Irons after Gianluca Scamacca and Jarrod Bowen also netted against the Cypriot First Division title-chasers in east London, providing a memorable moment for the Academy of Football starlet.
Mubama had been on the pitch for just eleven minutes when he steered home a Tomáš Souček header following an Aaron Cresswell corner. His 22nd goal in all competitions in 2022/23 arrived with 65 minutes played.
“I am over the moon!” he said to BT Sport. “It is something that I have been waiting for, for a very long time. The form that I am in with the 18s and the 21s... I am glad to continue the goalscoring streak. I am buzzing!”
Mubama, who made his Club debut in the 3-0 group-stage win over FCSB in November, later made his Premier League bow against Arsenal on Boxing Day and FA Cup debut at Derby County in January. His goals have also led the U18s to the top of their league and into the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.
His form was recognised again on Friday when he received a callup to the England U19 squad for UEFA European Championship Elite Round qualifiers with Hungary, Iceland and Turkey at the end of the month.
In his first start for West Ham back in November, Mubama thought he had got himself on the scoresheet, but his header was belatedly ruled as a Joyskim Dawa own-goal, despite wild celebrations from the 18-year-old.
This time, there was no such doubt and he could celebrate with abandon without fear of losing his landmark strike.
“They can’t really take this one away from me now!” he laughed. “Hopefully, there are many more to come. I just want to thank God and the Gaffer for giving me the opportunity.”
Teammate Bowen, who struck twice against AEK to become the Club's record European goalscorer with eight to his name, was quick to praise the teenager.
Mubama has been impressing the senior members of the Hammers’ first team and more than took his chance as the Irons waltzed into the last eight.
Bowen said: “When he trains with us you see how sharp [Divin] is. And even little things like pressing the goalkeeper…that’s what the fans want and what we demand from our players.
“And he’s been a credit to himself, and I am buzzing for him to get the goal. He deserves it.”
