2027 AFCON: Liberia make bold coaching move with Rachid Taoussi appointment

Liberia have appointed Moroccan coach Rachid Taoussi as head coach ahead of the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The announcement comes just days before the draw for the AFCON qualifiers, which will take place on Tuesday as African nations prepare for the road to the continental tournament scheduled to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 18 July 2027.

According to insider Micky Jnr, the 67-year-old coach has officially taken charge of the Liberian national team, replacing Thomas Kojo.

His appointment follows the re-election of Liberian Football Association president Mustapha Raji and signals the federation’s intention to begin a new chapter before the qualification campaign starts later this year.

Taoussi arrives with extensive experience in African football after spending decades coaching both club and national teams across the continent and the Middle East.

The Moroccan tactician previously managed the Morocco national team between 2012 and 2013 and has worked with several major clubs, including Wydad Casablanca, Raja Casablanca and AS FAR Rabat.

His coaching career also included spells with CR Belouizdad and MAS Fès, where he achieved one of the most notable successes of his managerial journey.

During his time with MAS Fès, Taoussi guided the club to victory in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2011, adding a continental title to his achievements in domestic football.

He also won the Moroccan league title in 1989 and later held administrative and technical roles, including positions as director of football at the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Al-Shabab and Al-Ain.

Before taking over the Liberian national team, Taoussi had been without a coaching position since leaving Kawkab Marrakech in September 2025.

Now, he faces a significant challenge with Liberia, a nation seeking to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after a long absence from the continental stage.

The Lone Stars have not qualified for the tournament since 2002, a drought the federation hopes Taoussi can finally bring to an end.

His appointment comes at a critical moment, with the AFCON qualification draw expected to define Liberia’s path toward the tournament.

The qualifiers are scheduled to begin on 21 September and continue until 30 March 2027, giving the new coach only a limited period to organise the squad and prepare for the campaign ahead.

Liberia’s decision to appoint an experienced figure such as Taoussi reflects the importance attached to the upcoming qualification series.

The federation appears determined to improve the team’s competitiveness and benefit from the coach’s long experience at both continental and international levels.

Taoussi’s familiarity with African football could prove valuable as Liberia attempt to navigate what is expected to be another demanding qualification process.

The timing of the appointment also places immediate attention on the AFCON draw ceremony, where Liberia will discover their opponents for the qualification stage.

With 48 nations involved in the race for places at the tournament, the competition is expected to be highly competitive across all groups.

For Liberia, the objective is clear: ending a wait that has lasted more than two decades.

Taoussi now becomes the man entrusted with leading that mission.

The Moroccan coach’s arrival will inevitably raise expectations among Liberian supporters hoping to see the national team return to the continent’s premier football competition.

Whether his experience and tactical background can finally help Liberia break their long qualification drought remains to be seen, but his appointment already represents one of the notable coaching changes ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

As preparations continue before the start of the campaign, attention will now focus on how quickly Taoussi can shape his new squad and prepare Liberia for the challenges that lie ahead.