Liberia take risk

By Ledgerhood Rennie
BBC Sport, Monrovia

Kromah is unhappy with plans for their qualifier against Zambia

Liberian officials are worried that the country may not present a team for Saturday's World Cup qualifier in Zambia.

Only five local players are included in the 29-man delegation travelling from Monrovia to Lusaka.

The 12 foreign-based players, who are expected to fly from their bases to Zambia, have been asked to make their own travel arrangements.

But Liberia FA officials, who recall the national embarrassment suffered in 2001 - when the Lone Star travelled to Egypt for a friendly but did not have enough players for the game - warned that history could repeat itself.

LFA Secretary General Yanqueh Borsay told BBC Sport that they had asked to include more local players in the team but officials of the sports ministry did not sanction the move.

"We have made our reservations clear to the ministry, given the experience we had before.

"But they insist on having the delegation stay as it is," Borsay said.

Coach Kadallah Kromah admitted to BBC Sport that the arrangements made for the Lone Star could put their 2006 Cup of Nations and World Cup dreams in jeopardy.

"It's risky to travel with a few local players.

"But if my employers say they've done their homework to get the foreign-based players, we have to give them the benefit of the doubt," Kromah said.

Liberia, who are second from bottom in Group One, need a win against Zambia to remain in contention for the sole World Cup ticket.

Congo lead the group, while Mali are at the bottom with just one point.