Monrovia – Just weeks after overcoming an eligibility controversy that threatened to derail their season, Shaita Angels FC now stand on the verge of history.
By Christopher C. Walker | christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com
The club, which recently faced the grim possibility of losing valuable points and risking relegation over the alleged use of players with expired registration documents, will enter Wednesday’s decisive Liberia Football Association (LFA) Upper Women’s League clash against defending champions Determine Girls knowing that a favorable result will crown them champions of Liberia for the very first time.
For head coach Conan Arab Fofana, the journey to this point has severely tested the character, resilience, and unity of his squad.
Speaking to FrontPage Africa following an intense training session ahead of the title decider, Fofana declared that his players are fully prepared for what is arguably the most significant match in the club’s history.
“We are one hundred percent prepared. From the day we entered the second phase of the league, we knew this moment would come at the end of the season,” Fofana said.
“We started preparations from our twentieth game all the way to this final match against Determine Girls. We know they are the defending champions, and when you meet champions, it is always going to be difficult because they have a lot of experience in their squad.”
A Razor-Thin Title Race
The race for the championship could hardly be tighter.
Determine Girls enter the contest sitting atop the standings with 57 points, while Shaita Angels trail by just a single point at 56. However, Shaita Angels even with a superior goal difference, need a most win to see them secure the crown. Determine Girls, meanwhile only need a draw to retain their title.
The high stakes have transformed Wednesday’s encounter at the Tusa Field in Gardnerville into the most anticipated match of the women’s football season.8
For Shaita Angels, the occasion represents more than just a silverware opportunity. It is a chance to break the long-standing dominance of Determine Girls and World Girls, and firmly establish themselves among the elite tier of Liberian women’s football.
Overcoming Off-Field Turmoil
The road to the title decider has been fraught with administrative hurdles.
Earlier in the season, Shaita Angels were found guilty by the LFA Grievance Committee of fielding players with expired documents a ruling that initially threatened to strip the club of vital points and dramatically alter the title race.
However, the club appealed the decision and was ultimately successful, keeping their championship aspirations alive.
According to Fofana, the legal battle was one of the most stressful periods of their campaign.
“The past few weeks have been difficult, but what we did as a technical team was to keep the players focused at a high level so that nothing would distract them from the mentality we are trying to build for this game and the FA Cup final,” he said.
Rather than dividing the squad, Fofana believes the off-field controversy ultimately galvanized them.
“It was frustrating for us, but all we did was keep faith in our administration, and they won the appeal. We are grateful to the Appeals Committee and the Executive Committee for doing the right thing,” Fofana noted.
“We became stronger as a team. We stayed together as one family and did everything possible to ensure the right decision was made. Through all the difficulties, we remained united.” Shaita Angels coach said.
The Double Trepidation
The challenge facing Shaita Angels is compounded by a grueling schedule. The club must also prepare for Sunday’s FA Cup final against World Girls, leaving very little time for physical recovery between two season-defining matches.
Still, Fofana remains optimistic about his squad depth.
“Preparing for two very important matches is challenging because there are fewer than four days between them, but we have a good balance in the team. My prayer is that we don’t suffer any injuries on Wednesday so we can take a full squad into Sunday’s game. As I speak to you now, we have a clean bill of health,” the coach revealed.
The tactician has made it clear to his players that opportunities of this magnitude are rare.
“My biggest message to the players is that this must be our season. We have to work as a family and as a team to break records. It can’t always be Determine Girls or World Girls. It should also be Shaita Angels. We have some of the best players in Liberia, and I have made them understand that this year we must become champions at all costs.”
Master vs. Protegé
For Fofana personally, lifting the trophy would mark a remarkable achievement in his debut season coaching in the women’s top flight.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the tactical battle is his relationship with Determine Girls’ head coach, Robert Lartey, one of Liberia’s most decorated and respected football minds. Fofana once played under Lartey and still regards him as a mentor.
“Robert Lartey is like a big brother and a father to me because I played under him. He is one of the most decorated coaches in the country,” Fofana admitted. “But I am going against him with everything I’ve got. I want him to know that his son and former player has grown. I believe his tactics will be good, but I will watch carefully, and where there is a need to make tactical adjustments, I will do so.”
Captain’s Confidence
Team captain Francisca Howe echoed her coach’s confidence, attributing their impressive campaign to an overhauled team culture.
“The difference between last season and this season is that we are more unified as a team now and willing to fight for each other. This has been our best season ever,” Howe said.
She added that the playing body is fully aware of the magnitude of Wednesday’s clash.
“The players are highly confident ahead of the game. We believe we can win because it means a lot to us. Winning the league would give us the coveted opportunity to represent Liberia in CAF club competitions.”
Despite the looming FA Cup final, Howe insisted that the team’s focus remains locked on Wednesday’s 90-minute showdown.
“Our priority right now is strictly on winning the league title. We are not thinking about the FA Cup yet. The league is the immediate target.”
Like her coach, Howe emphasized that the players refused to let the administrative drama destabilize their form.
“We were not affected by the protest because it is not our responsibility as players to handle administrative issues. Our job is to perform on the pitch and leave boardroom matters to the club officials.”
She concluded with a bold promise to the club’s fan base: “All I can say to our fans is to expect a premium performance from us. At the end of the day, we are going to be crowned champions.”
With history within arm’s reach, their off-field controversies settled, and a potential domestic double on the horizon, Shaita Angels head into Wednesday’s title decider believing their time has come. Whether they can complete this fairytale run and dethrone the reigning queens of Liberian football will be decided at the Tusa Field.
