Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberia’s U-20 national team, the Young Lone Stars, has finally begun formal preparations for the 2025 WAFU A&B U-20 Boys Cup, set to take place from June 15 to 30 in Ghana. Head coach Cooper M. Sannah on June 6 announced a 20-man squad and moved the team into residential training camp at the George Weah Technical Center in Careysburg.
The announcement comes just days before the team is scheduled to depart for Ghana on June 10 via the ECOWAS corridor. Liberia has been drawn into a tough group that includes host nation Ghana.
While several participating nations such as Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana have had their teams in training camps and engaged in international friendlies for weeks, Liberia’s relatively late start has raised concerns among football fans and analysts over the team’s readiness.
The 20-man squad named by Coach Sannah features a mix of local talents drawn from clubs including Mighty Barrolle, LISCR FC, FC Fassell, LPRC Oilers, and Freeport FC. The team also includes unattached midfielder Alhaji Sumakai, who previously trained with AC Horsens in Denmark.
Goalkeepers
Onesimus Beyan (Blackman Warriors)
William Fallah (Margibi FC)
Both goalkeepers bring considerable experience from domestic leagues and are expected to provide stability in the post.
Defenders
Emmanuel Johnson (FC Gar’ou)
Pewou Bestman (LPRC Oilers)
Eric Kamara (Chicken Soup Factory FC)
Patrick Monboe (Heaven Eleven)
These defenders are described by coaching staff as strong tacklers with good tactical awareness, key assets against elite teams in the region.
Midfielders
Mitchell Jackson (FC Fassell)
Alhaji Sumakai (Unattached)
Isaac Gborgar Jr. (Freeport FC)
Kindness Cole
James Tonny Zortiah
Coach Sannah expects the midfield to provide a balance of creativity and control, with a focus on maintaining possession and transitioning quickly into attack.
Forwards
Emmanuel Flomo (LISCR FC)
Boimah Nelson Tokpa (Tebah Academy)
Raiph Nuch Weat (Tebah Academy)
Jonathan Freeman (Discoveries FC)
Roland Kamel (Mighty Barrolle)
Emmanuel Sumo (Bea Mountain FC)
The attacking unit is built for pace and direct play, and is expected to shoulder the goal-scoring responsibilities as Liberia seeks to progress beyond the group stage.
The 2025 WAFU A&B U-20 Cup will feature 16 teams from both regional zones, including football heavyweights like Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. Liberia has historically struggled in the U-20 category but will aim to make a statement this year with a semifinal finish as a key target.
The team’s late assembly has led to concerns over cohesion and match fitness, especially compared to opponents who have enjoyed longer training periods and international exposure. However, team officials remain optimistic that the players’ hunger and local league experience can compensate for lost time.
Coach Sannah and his staff have ramped up preparations at the Careysburg facility, with two-a-day sessions and tactical drills aimed at strengthening defensive organization and attacking combinations.
The Young Lone Stars are expected to play at least one warm-up match before departing on June 10.
Liberians at home and abroad are hoping for a strong showing from the squad, whose preparations now enter a critical phase just days before they begin their journey to Ghana.
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