Page 25 - LionKing

JAMES ‘SALINSA’ DEBBAH
Born in Monrovia, Debbah began his professional football career with the Liberian squad Mighty Barrolle in 1984, joined Union Douala of Cameroon in 1989 and French squad Olympique Alès in 1990 before moving up to the Ligue 1 where he played for clubs such as AS Monaco, Olympique Lyonnais, Paris Saint-Germain, etc. Debbah was part
of both the 1996 and 2002 Liberian national football squads in the Africa Cup of Nations. He made a final appearance for the national team in September 2018, at the age of 48, making him the third oldest international player on record.
What was your personal greatest football moment?
That moment was when the Lone Stars of Liberia beat the Black Stars of Ghana 3 goals to 1 in Accra. We were under the captainship of now President George Manneh Weah.
I consider that my best moment because
we set a new record that day. It has never happened before, for the Lone Stars to defeat the Black Stars in Ghana. Considering the strength of both teams then, anything could happen, but it happened for Liberia.
How did it feel, playing for your nation for the very first time?
That is the best feeling ever. I was excited. It was a dream come true. I still remember, it was 1989 when I first had the opportunity to wear the jersey of my Country. Every good player wants to ensure their country benefit from their talents. And that feeling cannot be compared to playing for any other team in the world.
What should fans expect from the Nation’s Cup?
Surprises and excitement. It is even going to be more interesting now that old big names in Africa have faded away. I think this time around, the smaller countries will do well. Guinea is a country to watch out for.
I wish my country was participating, unfortunately we are not. However, I wish to encourage my fellow Africans to put up good sportsmanship, and give their all on the pitch for their countries.
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