Published: January 24, 2025
MONROVIA – The Liberian football community was plunged into mourning on Thursday morning following the passing of 17-year-old Amara Kamara, a promising player for Liberia Football Association (LFA) First Division club Black Man Warriors.
Kamara succumbed to injuries he sustained during his team’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Bea Mountain on January 8, 2025, at the D Tweh Field on Bushrod Island. The young midfielder had scored the third goal for his team in the 89th minute, but tragedy struck when he went airborne to head the ball and collided with an opponent, resulting in a severe spinal injury.
Video footage revealed that Kamara’s spine twisted during the aerial challenge. He was immediately rushed to Redemption Hospital for treatment but was later transferred to John F. Kennedy Medical Hospital (JFK), where he reportedly could not receive the necessary care.
His club eventually took him to Catholic Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury requiring urgent surgery. Unfortunately, the procedure could not be performed in Liberia due to a lack of medical equipment. Plans were then made to transport Kamara to Ghana for the surgery.
According to reports, the club faced numerous challenges, including delays in securing flight tickets, which ultimately forced them to opt for travel by road. Tragically, Kamara passed away en route to Ghana, accompanied by his mother and club officials.
Kamara was a standout talent who had previously represented the Black Man Warriors’ U-17 team in the Helsinki Tournament in Finland last year, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
His death has reignited concerns about the lack of basic medical facilities, including ambulances, at LFA National League venues. At the time of Kamara’s injury, there was no ambulance at the stadium, forcing him to be transported to the hospital in a regular vehicle.
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