MONROVIA – Liberia’s preparations for their upcoming World Cup Qualifiers have taken a late twist after Heaven Eleven FC forward William Gibson was ruled out with injury paving the way for Norway-based striker Emmanuel Gono to earn a surprise call-up to the Lone Star squad.
By: Christopher C Walker, [email protected]
The development came after Gibson picked up an injury during Monday’s early-morning training session in Monrovia. Stand in head coach Thomas Kojo quickly turned to Gono, who plays for IK Start in Norway’s First Division, to fill the attacking void ahead of key matches against Namibia and Equatorial Guinea .
Team officials confirmed that Gibson’s knock, though not serious, will sideline him for the two qualifiers forcing tactical adjustments just days before the squad’s games against Namibia expected departure.
A Big Chance for Gono
For Gono, the late invitation marks a golden opportunity to prove himself on the international stage. The young attacker has been making steady progress in Norway, where his pace, movement, and eye for goal have earned praise from coaches and scouts alike.
This is an opportunity for him to show what he’s got, after being followed closely, and this call-up has been only a matter of time.
The Lone Star will host Namibia on October 9th before traveling to face Equatorial Guinea on October 13 in a back-to-back fixtures that could prove decisive in their qualification push.
With Kojo still in interim charge amid the search for a new head coach, Liberia’s technical team will be counting on fresh energy and composure in attack two qualities Gono is expected to bring to camp.
Despite the late disruption, the mood in camp remains upbeat. Players resumed training since the weekend with renewed focus as Liberia look to respond from recent mixed results and regain momentum in the qualifiers.
Gono’s inclusion offers a glimpse into Liberia’s evolving football strategy one that increasingly looks to the diaspora for young, developing talent to blend with home-based players. If he delivers in the two games, the IK Start forward could become a key figure in the next phase of the Lone Star’s rebuild.
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