Liberia coach missed match due to threats from fans

Liberia National Team Coach Ansu Keita He had to miss the match against Equatorial Guinea in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to threats made against him after the home defeat against Malawi (0:1).

Especially after the match, fans broke the glass shield in the media center and barricaded themselves in the Liberia dressing room, where Keita and his players hid for more than two hours, not allowing a post-match press conference. Many Liberia Football Association (LFA) officials, including President Mustapha Raji, were also forced to remain inside the complex for fear of retaliation.

Keita later received a call from LFA vice-president Adolphus Dolo advising him to skip the match against Equatorial Guinea for his own safety. The coach initially refused, intending to participate in the match, but later changed his mind. “I did not want to participate in the match for my own safety and the interests of the country. Speaking to the BBC, Keita said: “I am still the head coach of the national team because I have a two-year contract.”

The absence of a mentor did not help and Liberia again lost 0:1. Now the management of the federation will decide whether the head coach will be dismissed or not. It is worth noting that Liberia is currently on a nine-game winning streak, with only two wins in the last 20 matches.