-Government Reaffirms Support as National Team Intensifies Preparations for Upcoming Friendlies
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Atty. Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah, has reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Lone Star’s campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as efforts intensify to secure the country’s long-awaited return to Africa’s premier football tournament.
Minister Kruah made the commitment during a strategic meeting with Lone Star Head Coach Mohamed Adil Erradi on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Paynesville.
The meeting focused on Liberia’s preparations for the AFCON 2027 qualification campaign, with both parties discussing strategies aimed at strengthening the national team and enhancing its competitiveness ahead of the qualifiers.
Liberia has not appeared at the Africa Cup of Nations since 2002, making qualification for the 2027 tournament a major national objective for football authorities, players, and supporters alike.
Speaking during the engagement, Minister Kruah stressed the importance of unity, collaboration, and collective commitment in achieving the country’s football ambitions.
She noted that qualification for the continental showpiece would require coordinated efforts from the coaching staff, players, the Liberia Football Association, government institutions, and football supporters across the country.
“The Government remains committed to supporting the Lone Star throughout this journey. Achieving AFCON qualification is a national goal that requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders,” Minister Kruah emphasized.
She assured Coach Erradi and his technical team of the Ministry’s continued support as they work to build a competitive squad capable of ending Liberia’s more than two-decade absence from the continent’s biggest football stage.
For his part, Coach Erradi expressed gratitude for the confidence and support being provided by the Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The Moroccan tactician reaffirmed his commitment to building a disciplined, determined, and competitive team capable of making Liberians proud.
He said the technical staff remains focused on identifying the best talent available and preparing the squad to compete effectively against some of Africa’s strongest football nations.
The meeting comes as the Lone Star steps up preparations for two international friendly matches against neighboring Sierra Leone scheduled for June 6 and 9, 2026.
The national team has already commenced training sessions at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex in Paynesville, with the friendlies expected to provide valuable opportunities for the coaching staff to assess players, test tactical approaches, and strengthen team chemistry ahead of future competitions.
Football stakeholders view the Sierra Leone fixtures as an important part of Liberia’s broader preparations for the AFCON qualifying campaign.
With renewed government support, an active technical program, and growing expectations among football fans, hopes remain high that the Lone Star can mount a strong challenge for qualification and secure a return to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 25 years.
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