Empire Scouting Network
EMPIRE FGA SCOUTING NETWORK
📅 30 Jan 2026 • Scouting Profile
Ká Semedo
Ká Semedo
Carlos Manuel Lobo Pires Semedo
Centre-Forward • Target Man • #10
🔵🔴 Amarante FC
🇨🇻 Cape Verde (Ilha de Santiago)
71.2 FGA /100
166 Aerial Duels Won (Liga 3 Leader)
🎯 Aerial Dominance King
Target Man Specialist
Full NameCarlos Manuel Lobo Pires Semedo
Known AsKá Semedo
Date of Birth1 Sep 1994 (31 y)
Place of BirthIlha de Santiago, Cape Verde
Nationality🇨🇻 Cape Verdean
Height / Weight1.83 m / 78 kg
Primary PositionCentre-Forward
SecondaryRight-back / Target Man
Strong FootRight
Club (2024/25)Amarante FC
Current ClubAD Fafe (Joined Jul 2025)
Contract Until30 Jun 2026
Jersey Number#10
AgentDynamic Winners

2024/25 Season Stats (Amarante)

League Appearances28+
Goals5
Aerial Duels Won166 (1st)
Minutes Played2,491
Yellow Cards7
Hat-trick19 Oct 2024

Career Honors

Taça de PortugalTop Scorer 2024/25
Liga 3Aerial Duels Leader
Total Career Goals70+
Career Appearances282+
Professional Debut11 Apr 2015

Form (Last 5 Matches)

W
W
D
W
L

🌍 Empire FGA Analysis — The Aerial Dominator

Ká Semedo represents a unique hybrid target man profile combining traditional Cape Verdean physicality with Portuguese tactical education. At 31, he enjoyed a career-defining 2024/25 season at Amarante FC, crowned by Liga 3's most impressive individual statistical achievement: 166 aerial duels won — 36 more than second-place Ivanildo Nhaga (130) and 52 more than K. Hachadi (125). This aerial dominance (1.83m frame, 78kg) makes him a unique outlier — a forward who wins headers at rates exceeding most centre-backs. His Taça de Portugal Top Scorer status (shared in 2024/25) proves he converts this physical advantage into tangible end product. Empire's model identifies Aerial Presence (AER) and Physical Duelling (PHY) as elite-tier assets, with Target Man Intelligence (TMI) marking him as a specialist in hold-up play and focal point attacking [^54^][^58^][^61^].

Sporting Praia (CV) → Vitória Guimarães B → Sertanense → SC São João Ver → Amarante FC → AD Fafe
📊 Liga 3 Aerial Dominance 2024/25:
1. Ká Semedo (Amarante) — 166
2. Ivanildo Nhaga (Varzim) — 130
3. K. Hachadi (Académica) — 125
4. Lucas Duarte (Covilhã) — 118
5. Miguel Pereira (Lusitânia) — 114
71.2
FGA Rating
166
Aerial Duels Won
70+
Career Goals
31
Age (Veteran)
🎯 Aerial Phenomenon Alert
Ká Semedo's 166 aerial duels won represents 27.7% dominance over 2nd place — exceptional statistical variance. At 1.83m, he punches significantly above his height weight class, suggesting elite timing, strength, and anticipation. Comparable to lower-league Cyro (Brazilian legend) or Adebayor in aerial commitment. Direct set-piece threat and defensive asset for corners.

⚡ Performance Context

Key fixtures from 2024/25 season — Aerial dominance and goal contributions.

Amarante FC Opponent
3 - 0
🎩 Hat-trick 🎯 12 Aerial Duels
19 Oct 2024
Liga 3
Sporting CP Amarante FC
1 - 2
⚽ 1 Goal 🏆 Taça de Portugal
22 Nov 2024
Taça de Portugal
Amarante FC Varzim
2 - 1
🎯 8 Aerial Wins ⚡ 8.4 Rating
Feb 2025
Liga 3
Tactical Pattern: Operates as pure target man in Amarante's direct 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 system. Drops deep to contest first balls, holds possession against physical centre-backs, and provides flick-ons for runners. Elite at disrupting opponent build-up through aerial interceptions. Defensive set-piece asset—often stationed at near post for defensive corners.

📊 Core FGA Intelligence Metrics

All metrics scaled to /100. Heavy weighting toward aerial dominance and target man attributes.

Tier 1: Automated Metrics (60% Weight)

XPS (Expected Performance)68
STK (Shot Technique)69
AER (Aerial Duels)94
PHY (Physical)82
SPE (Speed)64
KEY (Key Passes)66
COM (Composure)70
STM (Stamina)74
HDR (Hold-Up Play)78
JMP (Jumping Reach)88

Tier 2: Semi-Automated Metrics (30% Weight)

POI (Position Intelligence)72
CPX (Composure)70
TMI (Target Man Index)86
DPL (Deep Lying Play)68

Tier 3: Manual Scout Assessment (10% Weight)

DMA (Decision Making)69
CHR (Character)75
MCS (Mental Competence)71
EXP (Experience)82

🧠 60-Philosophy Framework Alignment

Target man profile suited to direct, physical, and crossing-based attacking systems.

Top 10 Philosophy Fits

English Direct 82/100 African School 80/100 Route One 84/100 Portuguese School 74/100 Physical Presence 86/100 Counter-Attacking 76/100 Set-Piece Specialist 88/100 Italian School 68/100 Spanish Positional 62/100 Dutch School 60/100

School Averages

English School (Direct/Physical)82.0
African School (Power/Pace)80.0
Portuguese School (Technical)74.0
Spanish School (Positional)62.0

🧬 Psychological Profile & Personality Analysis

Empire FGA Mental Competence System (MCS) — Veteran target man mentality.

💪
Physical Confidence
86
Supreme belief in aerial dominance and physical duelling
🎯
Combat Mentality
82
Relishes physical battles with centre-backs
⚡
Late Career Drive
78
Peak performance at 30+ suggests elite professionalism

Personality Archetype: The Veteran Gladiator

MCS ProfileESTP (Entrepreneur)
Primary DrivePhysical Dominance
Stress ResponseIncreased aggression
Social StyleLeader in dressing room
Leadership TendencyVocal leader 78/100
ResilienceHigh 80/100
CoachabilityExperienced 76/100
Pressure ResponseBig game player 77/100

Behavioral Markers

🇨🇻 Cape Verdean Mentality 🎯 Aerial Specialist 💪 Physical Dominator 🏆 Cup Competitor 🎩 Game Changer 📈 Late Bloomer

Empire Analysis: Ká Semedo demonstrates the characteristics of a "late peak" forward — performance improving into early 30s through tactical intelligence compensating for any athletic decline. Exceptional at using body positioning and timing to win aerial duels against younger, faster defenders. Shows high emotional intelligence in leading younger teammates at AD Fafe.

🤝 Key Relationships & Interpersonal Dynamics

Empire FGA Network Analysis — Cape Verdean connection and veteran leadership.

AF
Amarante FC (2020-25)
Career Peak Club (5 seasons)
Five-season tenure marked career renaissance. Club tailored attacking system around his aerial threat. Developed from squad player to focal point striker. Mutual loyalty—stayed through relegation battles and promotion pushes.
Institutional Bond: 88/100
DF
AD Fafe (2025-Current)
New Challenge (Joined Jul 2025)
Joined July 2025 seeking new challenge at age 31. Expected to provide veteran leadership and aerial threat in promotion push. Contract until June 2026 with potential extension based on performance.
New Venture: 72/100
CV
Cape Verdean Diaspora
Cultural & Professional Network
Part of significant Cape Verdean football community in Portugal. Connections to other CV players in Liga 3 (Nhaga at Varzim, etc.). Maintains strong ties to Sporting Praia—potential future coaching pathway.
Community: 79/100
DW
Dynamic Winners (Agency)
Player Representation
Portuguese agency specializing in African talent and lower-league Portuguese football. Facilitated moves from Guimarães B through Sertanense to Amarante. Seeking final career peak at Fafe.
Career Management: 74/100
🌐 Network Analysis Insight
Ká Semedo's career path mirrors many Cape Verdean players—youth development in CV, move to Portuguese lower leagues, gradual climb through pyramid. Unlike many, peaked late (30+) suggesting exceptional professionalism. Potential future coaching/scouting role given tactical intelligence and communication skills.

📈 Development Timeline

Cape Verde Foundation (1994-2013) — Praia
Sporting Clube da Praia youth system. Developed physical aerial game on dusty pitches. CV league champion 2013-14. Exit Level: Raw Talent
Portuguese Integration (2013-15) — Guimarães
Joined Vitória Guimarães B aged 19. Struggled to adapt to professional tactical demands. Limited appearances (3). Released 2015. FGA: 58/100
Lower League Apprenticeship (2015-20) — Sertanense/São João Ver
Learned professional standards at Campeonato de Portugal level. Developed hold-up play and defensive contribution. Gradual physical maturation. FGA: 64/100
Peak Performance (2020-25) — Amarante
Five-season tenure defined by aerial dominance. 166 aerial duels (2024/25) Liga 3 record. Taça de Portugal Top Scorer. Career peak at 30-31. FGA: 71.2/100
Veteran Leadership (2025-2027) — AD Fafe
Expected to provide veteran presence and aerial threat. Potential coaching transition preparation. Final playing contract likely. Projected FGA: 70/100

📊 Career Statistics Overview

Club Season League Apps Goals Key Stat Rating
AD Fafe 2025/26 Liga 3 Ongoing - Veteran Leader 71.2/100
Amarante FC 2024/25 Liga 3 28+ 5 166 Aerial 71.2/100
Amarante FC 2023/24 Liga 3 20+ 3 Target Man 69/100
SC São João Ver 2019-20 Cam. Portugal 14+ 3 Development 65/100
Sertanense 2015-17 Cam. Portugal 22+ 5 Adaptation 62/100
Vitória Guimarães B 2013-15 Liga Pro 3 0 Academy 58/100
CAREER TOTAL 2013-2026 Portugal 282+ 70+ Liga 3 Aerial King 71.2/100

2024/25 Liga 3 Aerial Duels Leaderboard

Rank Player Club Aerial Duels Won Gap to Leader
1st Ká Semedo Amarante FC 166 —
2nd Ivanildo Nhaga Varzim SC 130 -36
3rd K. Hachadi Académica 125 -41
4th Lucas Duarte SC Covilhã 118 -48
5th M. Pereira Lusitânia 114 -52

📊 Player Comparison (Liga 3 Target Men)

Comparing Ká Semedo vs Liga 3 CF average vs Primeira Liga standard (age-adjusted)

📌 Final Scout Assessment — 2026 Evaluation

Functional Assets

Aerial Dominance94/100
Physical Strength82/100
Hold-Up Play78/100
Set-Piece Threat85/100
Experience82/100

Limitations

Pace/Acceleration64/100
Age31 (Veteran)
Dribbling62/100
Pressing Intensity68/100
Injury History7 Yellows (Physical)
🏆 EMPIRE FGA FINAL RATING: 71.2/100

Classification: Professional Tier / Specialist (68-74 range)
Status: Peak Veteran / Aerial Specialist
Ceiling: 72/100 — Liga 3 elite target man
Optimal Role: Focal point striker in 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 with crossing wingers
Market Assessment: Valuable short-term acquisition for promotion-chasing Liga 3 clubs. €20-40K range. Not suited to systems requiring high pressing or build-up participation.
🔮 Development Recommendation:
Immediate: Deploy as pure target man with instructions to contest every aerial ball within 15 meters. Use as defensive asset for set-pieces.
Tactical: Pair with mobile second striker or inverted wingers who profit from flick-ons. Avoid asking to participate in high press.
Physical: Monitor minutes (31 years old), optimal 60-75 minute substitute or starter with early withdrawal when leading.
📊
71.2/100
Current FGA
🎯
166
Aerial Duels Won
🏆
70+
Career Goals

💎 Profile Analysis

166 Aerial Duels (Liga 3 Leader)

27.7% more than 2nd place — exceptional outlier

🎩 Hat-trick Specialist

19 Oct 2024 hat-trick vs Amarante opponents

🏆 Cup Top Scorer

Taça de Portugal 2024/25 Top Scorer (shared)

Empire Final Verdict: Ká Semedo is a unicorn target man — a forward who wins aerial duels at rates exceeding most centre-backs, converting physical superiority into tangible goals. At 31, represents short-term value for clubs needing immediate promotion push or cup run. Limited tactical flexibility (requires direct system) but elite within narrow role definition. RECOMMENDED for: Liga 3 promotion candidates, sides with quality wingers, teams struggling for set-piece goals. AVOID for: Possession-heavy systems, high-pressing teams, long-term projects.