A Lone Star’s Journey: AFCON In Bamako In 1992 – A Story Of Unity, Passion, And National Pride
By Omari Jackson
As I settled into my seat on the chartered flight from Monrovia to Bamako, a flood of emotions ran through me. The hum of the aircraft’s engines filled the cabin, but beyond that, there was an air of nervous excitement, camaraderie, and deep national pride. This was not just any flight—it was a journey with the Lone Star, Liberia’s national soccer team, on a mission to make history at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). We were carrying the hopes and dreams of an entire nation.
The Man Who Led the Mission
Vice Chairman Willis D. Knuckles, of blessed memory, was the pillar behind our trip, overseeing affairs at the Liberia Football Association (LFA) with the kind of dedication that made us believe anything was possible. He was more than a football administrator—he was a leader, a motivator, and a patriot who lived for the development of the game. It was through his unwavering commitment that we were able to embark on this AFCON journey, representing the red, white, and blue of our motherland.
A Team Bound by Brotherhood
The squad was a diverse mix of homegrown talents and international players, each with a story to tell. One of our stalwart defenders, Ansu Sirleaf of LPRC Oilers, was a rock at the back, embodying the grit and determination of a true warrior. His presence gave us confidence, knowing that whatever came our way in Bamako, we had a dependable force protecting our goal.
We were not alone in this mission. Among the traveling delegation were some of Liberia’s finest media professionals, tasked with capturing every moment of our journey. Mozart Dennis, a seasoned photojournalist, carried his camera like a soldier holding a rifle, ready to document the history we were about to create. Taana Wolokollie, of blessed memory, another talented photojournalist, was equally focused on ensuring that Liberians back home could feel the pulse of our AFCON campaign. And then there was Wilson Tarpeh, a man whose name would later rise in prominence when he became Liberia’s Minister of Finance. Back then, he was another passionate football enthusiast, deeply invested in the game and the unity it fostered.
Bamako: The Battleground
Arriving in Bamako, we were met with the intensity of AFCON. The air was thick with anticipation, the city buzzing with the energy of football lovers from across the continent. We were visitors in Mali, but we carried Liberia in our hearts. We knew we weren’t just playing for ourselves—we were playing for every Liberian, from the bustling streets of Monrovia to the quiet villages beyond.
The match itself was a test of character. The crowd roared, the Malian team pushed hard, and we had to dig deep to hold our ground. Every tackle, every pass, every shot was a battle within the greater war. Ansu Sirleaf stood tall in defense, repelling wave after wave of attacks. The sweat, the bruises, the exhaustion—it all became secondary to the pride of wearing the Lone Star jersey.
The Power of Unity Through Sports
Regardless of the result on the pitch, what remained undeniable was the unity that football had fostered among us. Sports, in its purest form, transcends politics, ethnicity, and social barriers. It is a force that binds a nation together, reminding us that we are stronger as one. Football, and indeed all sports, should continue to be a vehicle for peace and national cohesion in Liberia. When we played, we did not play as individuals—we played as a collective force, representing a country that longed for unity and progress.
The journey back to Monrovia was a moment of reflection. We had given our all, and though the outcome of the match would be analyzed and debated, one thing was certain: we had reinforced the enduring spirit of Liberia. Through sports, we reminded our people that despite our differences, we could stand together, fight together, and dream together.
A Legacy That Lives On
As I look back on that experience, I see more than just a football match. I see a symbol of what Liberia can achieve when we unite behind a common cause. I see the tireless efforts of men like Willis Knuckles, the resilience of players like Ansu Sirleaf, and the dedication of journalists like Mozart Dennis and Taana Wolokollie. I see the power of sports as a unifier, capable of mending divides and fostering a sense of national pride.
Even today, when I hear the echoes of a stadium crowd chanting for the Lone Star, I remember Bamako. I remember that flight. I remember the dream. And I know that as long as we continue to promote unity through sports, Liberia’s brightest days are still ahead.
The End
