Liberia: Ansu Keita's appointment as Lone Stars head coach sparks debate

Ansu Keita is Liberia's new national team coach. He was unveiled this week at a press conference in Monrovia attended by several Liberia Football Association (LFA) officials and Sports Minister Zeogar Wilson. The new coach also used the occasion to settle scores with his critics. "I am not God (to perform miracles) but I will do my best. The people who doubt me, I love them," he insisted. He added: "The people who have criticised me are the best. They make me work hard. They keep my feet to the fire so that I can work. I will do my best and I will never let my country down."

Holder of a UEFA B licence, the coach is indeed far from universally accepted in the homeland of George Weah. Former international James Salinsa Debbah, who coached Liberia from 2014 to 2018, is fiercely opposed to it. "Keita's appointment is a scandal of gigantic proportions. He is a youth development coach who has never been tested at senior national team level, nor played for the senior national team. I am talking about football, not politics," he said indignantly.

Ansu Keita nonetheless has the backing of Liberian Football Association president Mustapha Raji. "Keita will build a solid home-based team that will qualify for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2024 and will also qualify Liberia for the 2023 and 2025 Africa Cups of Nations," Raji said. "I call on all Liberians to join hands and support Keita," he told BBC Sport Africa.

Ansu Keita is tasked with qualifying Liberia for the next AFCON in Ivory Coast. The country's last appearance dates back to 2002. With only three teams in their qualifying group (K), Liberia arguably have their best chance of returning to the continental tournament.