Liberia-Anus Keita: "If the fans want to kill me over football, let them kill me"
Liberia head coach Anus Keita has received death threats. The 63-year-old is on a run of six defeats.
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Since taking charge of the Liberia national team last January, Ansu Keita has yet to win a single match. The Lone Stars are on a run of six defeats. The latest came against Equatorial Guinea, on matchday 2 of 2026 World Cup qualifying. The 63-year-old was also unable to attend that game. The reason? Ansu Keita had been threatened with death by supporters.
Some supporters are demanding the 63-year-old's resignation after Liberia opened their qualifying campaign in Group H with a 1-0 defeat by Malawi on Friday 17 November at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex. Furious fans even prevented the post-match press conference from taking place by breaking a window and barricading Liberia's dressing room. Keita, his players and officials from the Liberia Football Association (LFA) had to take refuge in the stadium for more than two hours for fear of reprisals.
In light of the situation, LFA vice-president Adolphus Dolo asked Anus Keita not to attend the match against Equatorial Guinea. The coach flatly refused to accept the request. "I told him I would go to the match anyway. If Liberians want to kill me over football, let them kill me", Keita told BBC Sport Africa.
Ansu Keita did, however, back down after a committee from the Liberia Football Association visited him at his hotel. "I did not want to take part in that match, for my own safety and in the best interests of the country. I am still the national team coach because I have a two-year contract", he maintained.
Liberian authorities have strongly condemned the situation, which has no place in football. "His life is very, very important. It was important that he stay away to protect him from attacks. The LFA will decide whether Keita's contract will be revised, whether he will be sacked or whether they will reach a mutual agreement. The government will support whatever decision they reach", said Liberian deputy sports minister Andy Quamie.
Meanwhile, Ansu Keita's appointment as head of the Lone Stars was not universally welcomed in the homeland of George Weah. Former Liberia national team coach Salinsa Debbah had been fiercely opposed to it.
Read also: Liberia: Ansu Keita's appointment as head of the Lone Stars sparks debate