Africa-Press – Liberia. Veteran Liberian journalist Wleh Bedell has sounded the alarm over the continuing struggles of the Liberia national football team, the Lone Star, following recent disappointing results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Bedell’s comments come after the Lone Star squandered a 2-0 lead to settle for a 2-2 draw with Malawi and suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Tunisia.
“A win in the Malawi game could have taken the country second on the table and kept our hopes of a playoff spot alive,” Bedell noted, underlining the magnitude of the missed opportunity.
“The problems with the Lone Star are enormous. It’s not just the players, who are often unfairly maligned; it’s a systemic issue,” he said.
“We must be realistic and examine every aspect of Liberian football, as our national team’s performance is at a low ebb.”
Bedell highlighted the team’s failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since 2002 as a stark indicator of the decline.
“The phrases ‘building’ or ‘rebuilding’ have become clichés. Since the end of the George Weah XI the greatest Liberian team in history everything that has followed has been topsy turvy, marked by disappointment, underachievement, and unfulfilled potential,” he wrote.
He stressed the need for structural reforms “Emphasis on grassroots football, a more competitive domestic league, adequate funding, and a structured football program are essential if Liberia hopes to return to relevance.According to the veteran Liberian Football writer Without the foundational pillars, the Lone Star will continue to underperform.”
Tracing the decline, Bedell cited historical results
“On January 28, 2002, the Super Eagles of Nigeria beat the Lone Star 1-0 at the Mali 2002 AFCON, courtesy of Julius Agahowa. This marked the beginning of a new era, with Liberia losing 3-0 to Guinea in their first match of the AFCON 2004 qualifiers.” He added that despite successive generations being labeled as “new teams,” 23 years later, Liberia is still waiting for meaningful progress.
Reflecting on past successes, Bedell recalled the glory days of the Weah-led generation, which began on July 26, 1986, at the SKD Stadium’s Six-Nations tournament. That team, which included Simon Mattor, delivered consistent results and brought pride to Liberian football for over fifteen years.
“Today, when will those glory days return? Fans no longer hold significant hope. The Lone Star have become journeymen, wandering from one disappointing campaign to another,” Bedell wrote.
He warned that the recent results against Malawi and Tunisia highlight the urgent need for reforms.
“Without structural reform and serious investment in football at all levels, the Lone Star will remain trapped in a cycle of mediocrity.”
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