Sports & Fitness

Liverpool’s Naby Keita on way back to Britain following military coup

Guinean footballer allowed safe passage back from cancelled World Cup qualifier after country’s president gets ousted and government dissolved

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 08 Sep 2021 4:30PM

Liverpool’s Naby Keita on way back to Britain following military coup
Liverpool footballer, Naby Keita, was preparing to play in Guinea's World Cup qualifier against Morocco in Conakry on Monday when the contest was called off after soldiers ousted president, Alpha Conde, and dissolved the government on Sunday − AFP pic, September 8, 2021

LIVERPOOL − Liverpool midfielder, Naby Keita, has left his homeland of Guinea following a military coup in the West African country and is on his way back to England, British media reported yesterday.

The 26-year-old was preparing to play in Guinea's World Cup qualifier against Morocco in Conakry on Monday when the contest was called off after soldiers ousted president, Alpha Conde, and dissolved the government on Sunday.

While the country's borders were reportedly closed, the Moroccan team were allowed safe passage home.

A military spokesman said on Monday that the country had reopened its land and air borders for commercial and humanitarian reasons.

Liverpool had earlier said they were working with relevant authorities to bring their player safely back to Britain.

Naby started Liverpool's opening two league games and was an unused substitute in their 1-1 home draw against Chelsea. – Reuters, September 8, 2021

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