MONROVIA, Montserrado – The head coach of Liberia’s national football team, James Salinsa Debbah, has invited six foreign-based players for the upcoming friendly against the Harambee Stars of Kenya on November 15.
However, there was no place reserved for the likes of Sam Johnson, Theo Weeks, Sekou Oliseh, Francis Forkey Doe, or Dioh Williams on Debbah’s team.
Debbah, who recently returned from the United Kingdom after a week of coaching courses, is expected to give three players the opportunity to make their debut for the senior national team.
He listed Spain-based goalkeeper Boison Wynney de Souza, former Manchester City striker Alex Nimely, and former Real Madrid and Valencia youth player Joel Johnson among the six players invited.
De Souza, born December 27, 1996, in Spain, currently plays for the Spanish fourth tier club CE Europa FC. The 19-year-old, who serves as CE Europa’s first choice goalkeeper, could be the solution to Liberia goalkeeping problem, as he has been a regular in the goal for several Spanish clubs.
Another Spain-born player in Debbah’s squad, Johnson has a Liberian father and a Spanish mother. He operates as right back was invited for the Lone Star’s match away at Tunisia, but was unused. He previously played for Real Madrid’s youth team, Valencia’s youth team and the senior side. He currently plays for the third-tier American team, Charlotte Independence.
Meanwhile, striker Alex Nimely, formerly of English Premier League club Manchester City, is expected to make his long-awaited debut for the Lone Star. The former Mighty Barrolle striker, who also featured for the England under-20 team, turned down a call from the Lonestar back in 2010. Nimely had requested life insurance before representing Liberia.
The other players invited are CAF Champions League winner Anthony Snoti Laffor, African Player of Year nominee William Jebor, and Lithuanian-based midfielder Murphy Oscar Dorley.
Preparation for the match has already begun with 29 home-based players at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium.
Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley Jr.
