MONROVIA — Liberia’s national football team, the Lone Star, arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, on Monday, September 21, as preparations intensify for Friday’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Amavubi at Amahoro Stadium.
By: Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]
The Liberian delegation landed in the Rwandan capital with a mix of overseas-based professionals and home-based players joining camp for the critical Group K encounter.
The team delegation is headed by LFA executive committee member Pawala Janyan and comprises members of the delegation, including Ministry of Youth and Sports staff and Ministry of Finance officials.
Among the overseas-based players who arrived with the team were goalkeeper Amos Wesseh, who was in Liberia to obtain his Liberian service passport, defender Jamal Arago, wingers Edward Ledlum and Prince Martor, striker Ayouba Kosiah, and defender Sebastian Teclar.
They were joined by home-based players goalkeepers Tommy Songo, Ashley Williams, and midfielder Kindness Cole.
The match is officially scheduled to kick off at 4:00 p.m. GMT (6:00 p.m. Rwanda time) at Amahoro Stadium, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Liberia is competing in Group K alongside Rwanda, Mali, and Cape Verde.
The group’s other opening fixture features Mali hosting Cape Verde on the same day.
Erradi Faces First Competitive Test
The Kigali trip marks an important milestone for Lone Star head coach Mohammed Adil Erradi, who is preparing for his first competitive match in charge of the national team.
Erradi and members of his technical staff arrived in Rwanda ahead of the squad and received a warm reception from Liberian supporters residing in the country.
Rwanda-based Liberian fans have been organizing mobilizations to build a strong presence at Amahoro Stadium for Friday’s match.
The leadership of the Liberia National Football Fan-Based Association (Rwanda Chapter), led by Chairman Wlatee Wonplue Williams, welcomed Erradi and his backroom staff upon arrival.
Williams was accompanied by Mobilization Chairman Isidore Kieh, Legal Adviser Stanley Whitfield, and Advisor Chair Christian Lewis Suah.
Erradi expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome, while Williams assured the coach and his technical team of the supporters’ unwavering backing throughout their stay.
Williams estimated that over 2,000 Liberian supporters living in Rwanda are expected to attend the match.
Officials Also Arrive in Kigali
Earlier, Lone Star Team Manager Sebastian Collins and Liberia Football Association (LFA) Executive Committee Member Hilary Sackie arrived in Kigali aboard Ethiopian Airlines on Friday evening.
They were received by members of the fan association’s Rwanda chapter, including Williams, Kieh, Whitfield, Tension Sherman, and Financial Secretary Grace Russell.
Former Liberia head coach Thomas Kojo and LFA Executive Committee Member Tickly D. Monkoney are also traveling with the official delegation.
The growing presence of Liberian officials, players, and supporters in Kigali signals the final countdown to Liberia’s campaign for a spot at the 2027 AFCON finals, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
CAF confirmed that Matchday One of the qualifying group stage runs from September 24 to 26.
Rwanda, meanwhile, has been preparing for the clash since opening its training camp on September 16. The Amavubi will travel to face Cape Verde in their second match on September 29.
With both camps stepping up their intensity, focus in Kigali remains on Friday’s Group K opener as Liberia aims to launch its qualification journey on a positive note.
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