Chebli rips Beyan as ‘half goalkeeper’ after errors in Bettomax Cup

Published: September 1, 2025

MONROVIA — Blackman Warriors head coach Sam Chebli launched a scathing attack on goalkeeper Onesimus Beyan after two costly blunders in the team’s 4-1 loss to Paynesville FC in the Bettomax Champions Cup on Saturday at Tusa Field.

The Warriors, Liberia’s representatives in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup, conceded nine goals in three matches during the preseason tournament, raising concerns about their readiness for continental competition.

Chebli, speaking to journalist Fatumata Barry, accused Beyan of complacency and carelessness in goal.

“You know, when you have just one goalkeeper — which in my opinion is just a half goalkeeper — and then he feels that he’s the only goalkeeper, he does anything,” Chebli said. “You even watched him play today. He had so many careless plays when we really needed him to be serious.”

Despite training for more than a month, the Warriors lost all three of their group-stage matches in the Bettomax Cup.

Chebli said the club is making “frantic efforts” to strengthen the squad before their Confederation Cup campaign kicks off in September.

In a statement to fans, the club apologized for its performance, citing the absence of key players as a major factor.

“Yes, three of our key players were either sold or are on trial, and even a replacement on loan was transferred internationally,” the statement read. “But be assured: their replacements are being worked on, and the team you will see moving forward will be stronger, sharper, and improved from the one you watched at the Bettomax Champions Cup.”

The Warriors, reigning Liberian Cup champions, will face Coton Sports of Benin in the preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup. The first leg is set for the weekend of Sept. 19-21 at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Paynesville.