Liberian champions FC Fassell CAF Champions League signings have captured attention across West Africa. The club is preparing for its first-ever campaign in the 2025–26 CAF Champions League, and the management has made it clear: this will not be a symbolic appearance.

Fassell put in about $65,000 to bring in five players from other places and a new coach. This big change in the team shows a lot about their ambitions. The fans in Monrovia can’t wait to see how their team will do against the best in Africa.

The preliminary round start in August. The first big games are set for September. For Fassell, the clock is already ticking.

The Road to the CAF Champions League

FC Fassell’s rise has been remarkable. The club, started in Monrovia’s West Point in 2008, turned from a tiny team to the top team of the nation in less than 20 years.

In the 2024-25 season of the Liberian First Division, Fassell beat big teams like Mighty Barrolle and LISCR FC, and took the top place. This win put them in the CAF Champions League, a spot where teams from Liberia find it hard to win.

Historically, Liberian teams rarely progress beyond the early rounds. LISCR FC last got to the CAF Champions League first round in 2017. But no team from Liberia has been in the group round since LPRC Oilers did it in the early 2000s. Fassell now carries the nation’s hopes of breaking that trend.

Who Are the New FC Fassell CAF Champions League Signings?

Ayoub Elkaouye (Morocco)

The 26-year-old right back just signed a deal for two years. He is known for good runs up the side and strong hold in the back. Elkaouye used to play with midfield man Mustapha Zarzif at the Moroccan team, Beni Mellal. His ability to balance attack and defense could be crucial as Fassell faces more physical and tactically disciplined opposition.

Ndene Cisse (Senegal)

Arguably the most eye-catching of the FC Fassell CAF Champions League signings, Cisse is a 23-year-old striker from Benin’s Loto Popo. His three-year deal shows that the club really backs him. Cisse was the top goal man and MVP at the 2024 “Soccer for Peace” tournament in Buchanan, where he scored four goals, one of which was a set of three in one game against Mighty Barrolle. 

He has played for Senegal at U17, U20, and big team games, even in African Nations Championship games. His past work shows he might do well fast on bigger fields.

Abdoulaye Sy (Senegal)

The midfielder is not well-known globally but brings key traits. Sy’s work rate, defensive cover, and stamina will allow Fassell’s creative players more freedom to attack. His presence may prove just as valuable as the more glamorous signings.

Louis Jatta (Gambia)

At 22, Jatta brings pace and dribbling ability from the wings. Gambian players are often associated with flair, and Fassell fans hope Jatta continues that tradition. He can break through defenses and add a new layer to the attack.

Ibrahim Coulibaly (Ivory Coast)

Calm under pressure, Coulibaly joins to take charge of the midfield. This player from Ivory Coast is good at connecting defense to attack, helping Fassell keep the ball even when facing tough teams.

A New Coach with Global Experience

To complement these signings, Fassell appointed Amir Alagic, an Australian-Bosnian coach with a UEFA Pro License. Alagic has been all over Europe, Asia, and Oceania, known for his sharp coaching and skill in raising young talent.

He replaces Ivan Minnaert, the Belgian coach who led Fassell to their first Liberian title but departed for Vipers SC in Uganda.

Alagic has only a few weeks before the preliminary round begins, but the management believes his experience can make Fassell competitive at continental level.

The CAF Champions League Challenge

The CAF Champions League holds the title as the best club event in Africa, similar to Europe’s UEFA Champions League. For the 2025-26 season, it will feature 64 teams from various parts of Africa.

• Preliminary Round: Teams play one game at home and one away.
• First Round: Another knockout round before the group stage.
• Group Stage: 16 clubs play in four groups. The best two teams from each group go to the next rounds.

For FC Fassell, making it to the group part would be a historic achievement. But they will need to overcome seasoned teams from North and West Africa.

Why These Signings Matter

Fassell’s strategy is clear: combine youthful energy with international experience.

• Cisse’s goal-scoring gives them a reliable threat up front.
• Elkaouye’s defensive balance ensures solidity on the right flank.
• Coulibaly’s calm playmaking provides structure in midfield.
• Sy and Jatta’s energy and flair offer tactical flexibility.

Together with Alagic’s tactical oversight, these signings aim to transform Fassell from domestic champions into continental contenders.

Comparing FC Fassell with Regional Rivals

Teams in Liberia face tough games when they meet groups from close West African areas. Clubs from Nigeria like Enyimba and Rivers United, plus Ghana’s Asante Kotoko, have more cash and larger teams.

Fassell’s $65,000 effort to buy new players may seem tiny beside their rivals, yet in Liberia, it’s viewed as a large step. By going after new stars like Cisse and Jatta, Fassell aims to do better than expected.

The Road Ahead

The CAF Champions League draw, scheduled later this month, will determine Fassell’s first opponents. Two early rounds are in their way to the group stage.

For Alagic and his fresh team, getting a good team vibe fast is key. Warm-up games, skill plans, and fitness work have started.

If they move on, Fassell might meet big teams such as Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca, or TP Mazembe – clubs known for their deep CAF Champions League past.

A New Chapter for Liberian Football

The FC Fassell CAF Champions League signings are not just about getting new players. They show a strong move by the club, set on placing Liberia back as a big name in African football.

Whether Fassell reaches the group stage or not, their ambition has already energized fans and raised expectations. For Monrovia and Liberian football, this campaign is about more than results -it’s about proving they belong on Africa’s biggest stage.