Erradi’s AFCON Gamble: Liberia’s Call-Up Raises Questions Over Flomo, Weah And Other Major Omissions

Paynesville, Liberia:Liberia’s squad for the opening rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers has raised serious questions over selection, current form and tactical balance, with several in-form and experienced players left out ahead of crucial Group K meetings with Rwanda and Mali.

The Lone Star will face Rwanda on September 25 before hosting Mali on September 29, making the opening two matches critical to Liberia’s hopes of advancing from Group K, which also includes Cape Verde.

The biggest concern is the absence of Emmanuel Flomo, who has emerged as one of Liberia’s most productive young players abroad. The 18-year-old forward scored 12 league goals for Al-Hilal during the 2025/26 campaign, finished as the club’s leading scorer and was named the league’s Best Young Player. His CAF Champions League experience also gives him exposure at a higher level of African football.

Ralph Nuch Weah’s omission is another major talking point. In 24 appearances for Bea Mountain, Weah recorded 8 goals and 15 assists for 23 goal contributions, averaging 0.91 goal contributions per game. Those numbers indicate what he could have brought to the Lone Star: creativity, direct attacking, chance creation and another player capable of beating defenders and carrying the ball into the opposition box. He is not simply a goalscorer; his 15 assists show that he can also create for others. His direct style has prompted comparisons with the attacking characteristics of players such as Messi or Yamal, without suggesting he is at their level.

The attack-to-midfield transition is another area that deserves attention. Jegbaye Konneh’s absence removes a player who can provide stability and calmness in midfield, while the inclusion of attacking players without guaranteed current club minutes raises questions about how Erradi intends to balance creativity with control. Divine Teah, in particular, has not been getting regular competitive game time with Slavia Praha, so his selection will need to be justified by what he can currently offer rather than simply by his club affiliation. Liberia will need midfielders capable of winning the ball, keeping possession and quickly turning defensive situations into attacks against Rwanda and Mali.

The omission of Sulimani Bah also reduces Liberia’s options from the bench. Bah has shown value as a forward who can enter matches and provide energy and attacking pressure, while Kpah Sherman, despite his experience, has not been prolific enough for the national team to be considered a guaranteed attacking solution. Liberia therefore risks entering the qualifiers without some of its most useful alternative attacking weapons.

Defensively, the absence of Mark Parbai and Nelson Laomie creates another concern. Parbai brings experience to the back line, while Laomie is now with Mozambican top-flight club CD Costa do Sol. Laomie also provides a rare long-throw option; together with Lawrence Kummeh, he is among the few Lone Star players capable of turning long throws into an attacking weapon. His absence therefore affects not only defensive depth but also Liberia’s set-piece options.

Rwanda should not be underestimated, with its provisional squad featuring several foreign-based professionals, while Mali represents an even bigger test of Liberia’s depth and quality. Against such opponents, selection based on current competitive form, tactical balance and specific match-winning qualities will be crucial.

Overall, Liberia’s AFCON 2027 qualifying call-up deserves a 6/10 grade. The squad contains enough quality to compete, but the omissions of Flomo, Weah, Konneh, Bah, Parbai and Laomie leave significant questions over Liberia’s attacking creativity, midfield stability, defensive experience and tactical options.

Erradi’s immediate task is to make the selected players function as a balanced unit rather than simply relying on individual talent. Liberia should emphasize midfield control, quick transitions, defensive organization and set pieces, while ensuring it has enough creativity and pace to threaten Rwanda and Mali. The quality of those decisions could determine whether the Lone Star starts the qualifying campaign with genuine momentum or another difficult road toward an AFCON finals appearance.