What Pushed Emmanuel Flomo's Late Call-Up to Lone Star Squad?

Liberia: Liberia foreign-based striker Emmanuel Flomo has received an unexpected call-up to join the Lone Star Squad to face Rwanda and Mali in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The move comes just six days to go as Liberia travels to face Rwanda. The Liberia Football Association (LFA) says the late call up comes as an emergency following forward Mohammed Kamara withdrawal from the squad.

The Football Association confirmed on Saturday, September 19, that Kamara withdrew to prioritize his long-term health and fitness after consultation with his club's medical team and management.

However, Emmanuel Flomo now joins Coach Mohammed Erradi's Lone Star 24-man squad for the upcoming double-header matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Al Hilal SC goal-puncher was initially left out of Coach Erradi's plans for the two matches. But, Flomo’s initial absence sparked mixed reactions among Liberian football fans, especially on social media.

Many questioned Erradi's initial decision to sideline the player, given his impressive stats with Al Hilal SC in the Rwandan Premier League.

The 18-year-old Liberian striker has enjoyed a stellar league campaign so far, scoring 6 goals in 9 appearances this season.

The wonderkid was also on fire last season, scoring 12 goals and earning himself the "Best Young Player Award" in the Rwandan Premier League.

Many fans believe Emmanuel Flomo's current form will greatly impact the Lone Star's squad. He made his senior team debut for Liberia in 2025 during a friendly match against Guinea in Morocco.

Liberia will begin her AFCON 2027 qualification campaign on September 25, 2026, away to Rwanda, before playing host to Mali on September 29, 2026.

The Lone Star are drawn in Group K of the qualifiers against Rwanda, Mali and Cape Verde. The two top teams from each group in the qualifiers will book direct qualification to the tournament.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to kick off from 19 June to 17 July 2027. The tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Liberia last featured on the biggest African Football stage in 2002, about 24 years ago. The Lone Star still holds the dream of resurfacing in the tournament, this time with Coach Mohammed Erradi leading the way.