LIBERIA’S national football team has been rocked by the expulsion of three players from camp, just days before they play Zimbabwe in an opening African Cup of Nations group qualifier.
Liberia’s Hungarian coach Bertalan Bicskei ejected Dullee Johnson, Dioh Williams and Francis Doe after they were found to be missing from their hotel rooms during a routine check at 2AM on Thursday.
The three players were among 15 overseas professionals called up for Sunday’s clash in Monrovia.
The players were prevented from training with the rest of the squad on Thursday – good news for Zimbabwe’s Warriors who are seeking to upset the Lone Stars in their backyard.
Liberia Football Association President Musa Bility said the players would be returning to their teams – Johnson to AIK Sonia in Sweden, Williams to AGF Aarhus in Denmark and Doe to Al Ahly of Egypt.
The Liberians have called up three local players as replacements -- strikers Dweh Allison, James Koko Lomell and midfielder Marcus Marcauley.
Zimbabwe have two injury concerns after winger Quincy Antipas pulled out of training on Thursday with an ankle injury and attacking midfielder Clemence Matawu remains a doubt.
Warriors coach Norman Mapeza will name his travelling 18-man squad on Friday morning before the team leaves for Monrovia.
Liberia and Zimbabwe are in the same group with Mali and Cape Verde.