Monrovia– Liberia’s senior national team, the Lone Star, has touched down in Casablanca to begin a high-stakes training camp ahead of international friendlies against Benin on March 27 and Libya on March 31.
By: Christopher C. Walker | 0777898224 / 0886723075 | [email protected]
While the mission is officially aimed at “restoring confidence” under the “Morocco, Capital of African Football” initiative, the squad selection has already ignited a firestorm of criticism back home in Monrovia.
The Albert Swen Exclusion: A Local League Snub?
The most glaring omission from caretaker coach Christopher Wreh’s list is undoubtedly Albert Swen. Widely regarded as the best defender in the LFA First Division this season, Swen has been in “fantastic form” for Heaven Eleven, anchoring a backline that has propelled the club into the title conversation.
Fans and pundits alike have expressed disbelief that Swen who has consistently shut down the league’s top strikers was overlooked in favor of foreign-based players, some of whom have seen limited playing time at their respective clubs.
“It’s a slap in the face to the local league,” Thomas Morris a fan told FrontPage Africa. “If a player like Albert Swen, who is arguably the most consistent defender in the country right now, cannot make a 24-man traveling squad, what message are we sending to those playing at home?”
European Reinforcements and New Faces
In contrast to the local snubs, the technical staff has leaned heavily on the diaspora, handing maiden call-ups to goalkeeper Amos Wesseh (Netherlands) and defender Tito Yormie (Belarus).
The team will be anchored by the Slavia Prague duo of Oscar Murphy Dorley and Divine Roosevelt Teah, who are expected to provide the tactical leadership in a midfield that must now contend with the physical prowess of Benin’s Cheetahs.
The “Moroccan Shadow” Over Christopher Wreh
Though Christopher Wreh is leading the delegation, his authority remains clouded by rumors of a permanent replacement. FrontPage Africa has gathered that a Moroccan coach is already on the ground in Casablanca and could be officially introduced before the Libya match.
This uncertainty, coupled with the exclusion of top local performers like Swen, has led to concerns about who is truly making the tactical decisions for the national colors.
Official Traveling Roster
GOALKEEPERS: Amos Wesseh (Rohda Raalte), Tommy Songo (LISCR FC), Junior Yeanaye (Wologizi FC), Ashley Williams (Bea Mountain)
DEFENDERS: Prince Balde (Rosengård), Emmanuel Fully (Teplice), Sebastian Teclar (Jamus SC), Sampson Dweh (Viktoria Plzen), Nelson Laomie (CD Costa do Sol), Natus Swen (FC Sheriff Tiraspol), Mark Pabai (FC Koper), Tito Yormie (Neman)
MIDFIELDERS: Oscar Murphy Dorley & Divine Roosevelt Teah (Slavia Prague), Solomon Tweh (Al Raed), Sheikh Sesay (Gaborone United), Morris Jeybah Konneh (Jamus SC)
FORWARDS: Edward Ledlum (ASO Chlef), Prince Martor Jr. (Genclerbirligi), Sulahmana Mamadu Bah (ZED FC), Emmanuel Flomo (Al-Hilal Omdurman), Bryant Farkarlun (El Paso Locomotive), Peter Wilson (Oakland Roots SC), Emmanuel Gono (AIK Stockholm)
The Road Ahead
As the Lone Star prepares for the March 27 opener against Benin, the pressure is on Wreh to justify his selections. Without the defensive stability of Albert Swen, all eyes will be on the foreign-based backline to see if they can weather the storm in Casablanca.
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