By: Julius Konton
The Professional Sports Academy (PSA) delivered a commanding 5–0 victory over the Liberia Under-17 National Team in a high-profile practice match aimed at strengthening youth football development and tactical readiness ahead of upcoming competitions.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, football analysts and observers agreed that the encounter offered far more than goals, serving as a valuable assessment of preparation levels, structural discipline, and long-term player development strategies within Liberia’s youth football ecosystem.
Experience and Stability Prove Decisive
PSA’s dominance was largely attributed to team cohesion and tactical maturity, developed over nearly two uninterrupted years of structured training.
The academy has benefited from consistent technical guidance under Alioune Kebé, whose career spans over two decades in European football, where he trained and competed under diverse coaching systems.
Such continuity proved decisive against a Liberia U-17 side that, while brimming with promise, is still in the process of blending talent into a cohesive competitive unit.
“The difference was not talent, but time, structure, and tactical familiarity,” one technical observer noted following the match.
Liberia U-17 Showcases Promise Despite Scoreline
While PSA controlled possession and converted chances efficiently, the Liberia U-17 team displayed discipline, athleticism, and individual brilliance, particularly in the opening stages of the game.
Several players stood out for their composure, defensive awareness, and willingness to compete against a more seasoned side.
Historically, Liberia’s youth teams have produced notable talents who later advanced to professional leagues in West Africa, Europe, and North America, underscoring the importance of continued investment at the grassroots and academy levels.
A Broader Context: Youth Football Development in Liberia
Liberia has made incremental progress in youth football development over the past decade.
According to domestic football data, over 60% of registered players nationwide are under the age of 20, highlighting the critical importance of academies, school competitions, and national youth teams in shaping the future of the sport.
The Liberia Football Association (LFA) has intensified its youth-focused programs, including talent identification camps, regional leagues, and international exposure matches, all aimed at building a competitive pipeline for the senior national teams.
Mutual Respect and Collaboration Praised
In the spirit of sportsmanship, PSA publicly expressed gratitude to the Liberia U-17 management for facilitating the match, emphasizing that such encounters are vital for player growth, benchmarking, and national football progress.
The academy also commended the LFA for its sustained commitment to youth development, reaffirming its readiness to collaborate on future programs, training camps, and competitive fixtures.
With regional and continental youth competitions on the horizon, matches of this nature are expected to play a crucial role in sharpening Liberia’s next generation of footballers.
For PSA, the result reinforces the effectiveness of long-term planning and professional coaching.
For Liberia U-17, the lessons learned offer a valuable foundation for refinement and resurgence.
As Liberia continues to rebuild its football identity, the convergence of academies, national teams, and governing institutions remains central to transforming raw talent into international success.
