The Liberian Senior Men’s National Team, affectionately known as the Lone Star, is set to embark on its journey through the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with a renewed sense of determination, fueled by last-minute funding and a resilient spirit. Despite series of preparational hurdles, the team is poised to face its opening matches with a mixture of hope and resolve.
After a prolonged period of uncertainty and preparation setbacks, the Lone Star has finally received the crucial financial backing needed for its travel and match arrangements. The funding, though details remain undisclosed, has been attributed to the Liberian government, offering a lifeline just in time for the qualifiers. The funds will cover the costs of traveling to Togo for the first fixture and hosting Algeria for the second.
In a press conference held on September 3, 2024, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, Coach Mario Marinica outlined the team’s current situation and plans. “We are grateful for the support we have received, but the path to this point has been challenging,” Marinica said.
“We encountered significant delays, including the loss of about 80 hours of crucial training time. Our initial plans, submitted last March, faced execution hurdles, but we must focus on what lies ahead.”
The preparation period for the Lone Star has been fraught with difficulties. Training sessions were delayed, and a planned training camp was canceled, leaving the team with limited time to fine-tune their strategies and cohesion. Despite these setbacks, the squad’s focus has now shifted towards making the most of the remaining preparation time and executing their plans on the field.
Coach Marinica’s comments reflect a mixture of frustration and determination. “It’s not about the style of play at this moment,” he said. “We need to work with what we have and aim to secure wins. Our priority is to deliver results that will make Liberians proud and push us closer to qualifying for the AFCON.”
The Lone Star’s upcoming fixtures are critical. The team will face the Sparrowhawks of Togo in Lome on September 6, 2024. This match will be followed by a home encounter against the Desert Warriors of Algeria on September 10, 2024, at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia. Both matches are pivotal in Liberia’s quest for a spot in the AFCON finals.
To tackle these challenges, Marinica has named a 28-player roster, blending experience and potential. The squad features seven foreign-based players, including Sampson Dweh, Mo Sangare, Oscar Dorley, Devine Teah, Peter Wilson, Emmanuel Ernest, and Nohan Kanneh. These players will join the 21 local players selected for the campaign.
Key local players include vice-captain Chauncey Freeman, who brings leadership and experience, and goalkeepers Tommy Songo, Abdulai Koulibali, and Teddy Kollie, who will be vital in securing a strong defensive foundation. Other notable local players are Philip Tarnue, Kemoh Kamara, Natus Swen, Musa Sasay, and Nelson Laomie, among others.
For reserves, Coach Marinica has called up Sekou Bayoh, Ayetay Yangbe, Melvin Blapoh, and Clement Zubah, ensuring that the team has depth and options if needed.
The public’s anticipation for the Lone Star’s performance is high, but Marinica has advised caution. “It is important for Liberians to manage their expectations,” he cautioned. “If things do not go as hoped, it could lead to disappointment. We are committed to giving our best and striving for results, but we must be realistic about the challenges we face.”
Marinica acknowledged that the team’s struggles during preparation might overshadow the positive aspects of their efforts. “Sometimes, people will focus on problems rather than the solutions. Our aim is to demonstrate our strength and resilience on the field and work towards a successful outcome.”
As the Lone Star prepares to take on Togo and Algeria, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping that the team’s determination and newfound support will pave the way for a successful campaign. The upcoming matches will not only test the players’ abilities but also their capacity to overcome adversity and make a mark on the continental stage.
