Monrovia – Liberia’s road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins this weekend as newly appointed Lone Star Head Coach, Mohammed Erradi, takes charge of his first match against neighboring Sierra Leone in an international friendly at the Southern Arena in Bo.
By Christopher C. Walker christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com | 0777898224
While the encounter is classified as a friendly, the significance of the occasion extends far beyond the final scoreline.
For Liberian football enthusiasts, it offers the first glimpse into the vision, philosophy, and tactical direction of the Moroccan tactician tasked with ending the country’s 25-year absence from Africa’s premier football competition.
The Lone Star will face the Leone Stars on June 6 in Bo, before welcoming their Sierra Leonean counterparts to the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex in Paynesville on June 9 for the return leg.
Coach Confident Ahead of ‘Mano River’ Derby
Ahead of his debut on the touchline, Erradi expressed confidence in his side’s preparation, revealing that his extensive scouting of Sierra Leone’s squad will be a key factor in his tactical planning.
The former Morocco youth coach stated that he has already conducted detailed assessments of the Leone Stars and is familiar with several of their key players.
“We have to define our objective and prepare for our game against Sierra Leone,” Erradi said. “I know the Sierra Leone team. I know the players.”
His remarks suggest Liberia will enter the match with a clear game plan as the technical staff looks to make an immediate impact.
Building a Competitive National Team
Erradi has also outlined his long-term vision for the Lone Star, emphasizing that sustainable success will require patience, structured planning, and a commitment to fostering a vibrant football culture.
Speaking during his first official media engagements since taking the helm of the national team, the coach stressed that assembling a competitive squad goes beyond mere player selection.
“It’s my first appearance with the national team,” Erradi noted. “We are here to build a competitive team. To build a competitive team depends on a lot of thinking. Now we have to choose the players. We have to pass the message to the players. With the preparation, we need to build a competitive team.”
His comments have resonated with local supporters eager to see a structured approach to rebuilding a national team that has struggled for consistency on the continental stage in recent years.
Veteran Duo Recalled to the Fold
One of the major talking points surrounding Erradi’s maiden squad announcement is the high-profile recall of veteran striker Kpah Sherman and experienced defender Jamal Arago.
Sherman returns after a three-year absence from the national team setup.
The 32-year-old Kuala Lumpur City FC forward has enjoyed tremendous success in Malaysia, netting 64 goals and registering 21 assists in 125 appearances.
Erradi defended the inclusion of Sherman, insisting that selection into the national team remains strictly meritocratic.
“I don’t have friends. I am very strict,” the coach declared. “Kpah Sherman has the ability to be on the national team. He’s regular with his team. He scores. He plays with a big club in Asia and has participated in the Asian Champions League. That is huge experience for the national team.”
Arago’s return is equally significant, with the Al Ta’awon center-back expected to inject much-needed leadership and defensive stability into the backline.
Erradi’s first squad reflects a calculated blend of experienced internationals and promising young talents.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers:Junior Yeanaye — Wologisi FC,Ashley Williams — Bea Mountain FC
Amos Wesseh — Rohda Raalta
Defenders:Emmanuel Fully Slavia — Slavia Prague,Natus Swen — FC Sheriff,Jamal Arago — Al Taawon Club,Sebastien Teclar — Jamus FC ,Meshach Greene — Paynesville FC,George Wallace — KF Kora,Albert Swen — Heaven Eleven,Philip Tarnue — Minnesota United II
Midfielders:Divine Teah — Slavia Prague,Murphy Dorley — Slavia Prague,Kindness Cole — Al-Hilal,Jeybay Konneh — Jamus FC,Nohan Kenneh — Tranmere Rovers,Josiah Cea — FC Fassell
Forwards:Peter Wilson — Oakland Roots,Ayouba Kosiah — FK Radnik Surdulica,Kpah Sherman — Kuala Lumpur City FC,Sulahmana Bah — Zed FC,Daniel Nyemah — CD Costa do Sol,Ralph Weah — FC Bea Mountain
Particular attention will be focused on young talent Divine Teah, whose rapid development in Europe has made him one of Liberia’s most exciting prospects.
Friendlies Crucial for AFCON Preparations
Erradi believes the double-header against Sierra Leone will provide a critical litmus test to evaluate his players and identify deficiencies ahead of the competitive AFCON qualifying fixtures.
“Friendly games are critically important to understanding our individual and collective qualities, while also exposing our weaknesses,” he explained. “We have to deliver this message clearly to the players and find the right options.”
The coach views the two matches as a foundational step toward establishing his tactical identity and creating a framework for future success.
A Call for Patience
While expectations are traditionally high among Liberian football enthusiasts, Erradi urged the public and sports stakeholders to remain patient as the rebuilding process commences.
The Moroccan tactician acknowledged that transforming the Lone Star into a competitive continental force will require time, discipline, and collective institutional support.
“Building a football superpower doesn’t happen overnight,” he cautioned, calling on fans to trust the process as the team works toward returning Liberia to its former footballing glory.
For many Liberians, Saturday’s encounter in Bo represents more than just a friendly fixture; it marks the opening chapter of a new era under a coach determined to restore belief, competitiveness, and ambition to the national team.
