Who is Kenji Cabrera, the youth player from Melgar who scored the first penalty against Internacional?

On the night of last Thursday, August 11, it became historical for Melgar de Arequipa, who for the first time reached the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana by defeating Inter de Porto Alegre 3-1 on penalties, in front of their own people, at the Beira-Rio stadium.

The Arequipa squad had a correct performance in all its lines, both in goal, with a monumental Carlos Caceda, and in defense, which firmly contained the Colorado forwards. Although the red and black attack had a discreet match, as the approach was different, there was a player who stood out for his boldness in the minutes he played and in the penalties: Kenji Cabrera.

Kenji Cabrera is a 19-year-old attacking midfielder born in Shiga, Japan, on January 27, 2003. He was signed by Melgar at the beginning of 2021 after being developed at Club Esther Grande de Bentin and has gained prominence in Pablo Lavallen's current lineup.

In the current season, he has played 15 games and provided two assists in the Liga 1 and the Copa Sudamericana. This performance has made him a fundamental piece in the Dominó's starting eleven.

After the match against Internacional, the young player became a trend on social media for being the first player to take the penalty in the decisive series, an action that was praised by fans who admire his courage at such a young age.