By S. Siapha Mulbah
With just weeks to go before Liberia resumes its campaign in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Liberia Football Association (LFA) has unveiled a 36-man provisional squad, composed entirely of locally based players.
The squad, selected by stand-in coach Thomas Kojo, is set to begin intensive training today, March 3, 2025, in preparation for two crucial matches—against Tunisia on March 19 and São Tomé and Príncipe on March 24. Both encounters will take place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville.
Kojo, a former Lone Star midfielder and experienced coach, has been tasked with assembling a competitive squad capable of withstanding the pressures of World Cup qualification. His selection largely reflects standout performers from the ongoing national first-division league, with one exceptional goalkeeper making the cut from the second division.
The coach decision through the LFA to call up an entirely home-based squad signals a strong commitment to nurturing local talent while providing players with an opportunity to break into the senior national team. Players who impress during the training camp will earn a spot in the final squad, where they will be joined by Liberian professionals playing abroad for the decisive matches.
The provisional squad consists of six goalkeepers, 11 defenders, 12 midfielders, and seven forwards, representing clubs from Liberia’s top leagues. Some of the notable names include:
Goalkeepers: Tommy Songo (LISCR FC), Derrick Julu (Invincible Eleven), Teddy Kollie (Watanga FC)
Defenders: Nelson Laomie (Watanga FC), Alexander Curtis (Watanga FC), John Momoh (LISCR FC)
Midfielders: Armah Vaikainah (Bea Mountain), Sekou Sheriff (Shaita FC), Jeygbey Konneh (LISCR FC) and Jonathan Freeman (Discoveries SA)
Forwards: Patrick Dweh (Freeport FC), Mark Yallah (FC Fassell), Emmanuel Flomo (LISCR FC)
The selection brings together a mix of experienced campaigners and promising young stars, emphasizing physicality, tactical awareness, and creativity across key positions.
With training set to begin immediately, the next two weeks will be crucial in determining which local players make the final cut. The upcoming matches present a significant challenge, particularly with Tunisia, a perennial African football powerhouse, as Liberia’s first opponent this year. São Tomé and Príncipe, though perceived as a less formidable side, cannot be taken lightly, as upsets are common in international qualifiers.
Liberia’s performance in these games will set the tone for its World Cup qualification campaign. The inclusion of homegrown talents alongside international reinforcements could be the game-changer the Lone Star needs to improve its chances.
For the players, this call-up is more than just another national team opportunity because it is a chance to showcase their skills on a bigger stage. Liberia has struggled in past World Cup qualification campaigns, but this year presents a fresh opportunity to make a statement. Fans are hopeful that the blend of local stars and foreign-based reinforcements will create a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
As the countdown to March 19 begins, all eyes will be on Coach Kojo and his team. Will this squad prove strong enough to navigate the tough qualifiers and move Liberia closer to its World Cup dream? Only time will tell, but for now, the hard work starts on the training ground.
Liberia’s national football team, the Lone Star, is locked in a competitive race in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, currently sitting in third place with 7 points from four matches.
Group leaders Tunisia top the table with 10 points, followed by Namibia with 8 points, while Malawi (6 points), Equatorial Guinea (3 points), and São Tomé & Príncipe (0 points) trail behind. Only the group winner qualifies directly, while the second-placed team could advance to the playoffs.
With two crucial home matches ahead against Tunisia on March 19 and São Tomé & Príncipe on March 24, Liberia must secure victories to stay in contention. A win against Tunisia could push them into second place, keeping World Cup dreams alive.