A Victorious Dress Rehearsal: Liberia Leaves it Late to Edge Malawi 1-0

 

Written by Danesius Marteh
danesius.marteh@frontpageafricaonline.com
Wednesday, 05 September 2012

Monrovia - Zah Kranger left it late to hand under-pressure coach Kaetu Smith his first win in charge of Liberia as the Cellcom-sponsored national team beat Malawi 1-0 in an international friendly at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) sports complex in Paynesville on Tuesday.

The Indonesia-based midfielder capitalized on a play advantage when LPRC winger James Soto Roberts, who replaced the uninspiring James Koko Lomell, slipped-up in the Malawian defense.

With center referee Emmanuel Neewan signaling for play-on, Zah pounced onto the ball and skimmed past defender Moses Chavula before placing the ball in the right post on 88 minutes.

It was his second goal since scoring in the 3-2 Independence Day friendly win over Gambia at the SKD on July 24, 2011.

Liberia had the better of chances but lack the cutting edge—a pause for concern for Smith and his technical staff ahead of the big game on Saturday.

Coach Kinnah Phiri’s instruction largely worked-out as his team sat deep for a greater portion of the match in order to take their opponents on the break.

Newest sensation Gabadinho Mhango, who came on in the 41st minute, created some problems for the defensive pair of Teah Dennis and Solomon Wesseh.

A miscue from Dennis was intercepted by Mhango but he wasted his effort with an attempt far from target.

Coach Smith had a flurry of substitutions deep into the second-half but it was the visitors who looked pleased with their performance.


Eddie Boakai Foday, who started against Equatoguineans on August 15 in Malabo, was introduced in the 55th minute.

Foday had the clearest of chances at goal after he was tee-up by Kranger in the 18-yard box but he blasted his effort at goalie Simplex Nthala at his mercy.

It may not be a convincing win in the eyes of Smith’s critics but he has got a morale boaster as both countries warmed-up to Saturday’s crucial 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Liberia host Nigeria while Malawi are Ghana’s guests in what should be a thriller before the return legs in October.

Phiri and his 27-man delegation depart Monrovia today for Accra.

And local tactician didn’t show any sign of defeat despite missing key players due to suspension and injuries.

Foster Namwera is suspended for the first leg due to two yellow cards while captain Peter Mponda is ruled out of both legs due to a knee injury and John Banda could miss both legs due to injury.

Binda scored in the 1-1 2014 World Cup qualifier with Nigeria on June 9 and the 2-0 second round second leg 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Chad on June 17.

With the arrival of Sekou Jabateh-Oliseh yesterday, Smith will be hoping that Patrick Gerhardt Nyema, Jimmy Dixon, Omega Roberts, Alseny Keita Tonia Tisdell and Patrick Wleh will arrive in time for the match.

Zah Krangar and teammates celebrate late goal against Malawi Tuesday at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville.
Liberia: 1-Nathaniel Sherman, 3-Teah Dennis, 4-Theo Weeks (12-Martin Karndu 45’), 7-Ansu Toure (23-Eddie Boakai Foday 55’), 11-Isaac Pupo, 15-Solomon Wesseh, 17-George Gebro (captain), 18-Solomon Grimes (6-Trokon Zeon 72’), 19-Edward Junior Wilson (2-Marcus Macaulay 68’), 20-James Koko Lomell (13-James Soto Roberts 44’) and 21-Zah Kranger (9-Slyvanus Morris 89’).

Substitutes not used: 5-Musa Dargbason, 16-Mulbah Urey and 24-James Galley.

Malawi: 2-Peter Wadabwa (17-Jimmy Zakazaka 59’), 3-Moses Chavula, 5-James Sangala, 6-Dave Banda, 7-Pilirani Makupe, 8-Chimango Kayira, 10-Joseph Kamwendo (15-Robert Ng’ambi 60’), 12-Limbikani Mzava, 13-Frank Banda, 16-Simplex Nthala and 18-Atusaye Nyondo (14-Gabadinho Mhango 41’).

Substitutes not used: 1-Charles Swini, 9-Ndaziona Chatsalira, 11-Robin Ngalande and 20-Steve Chagoma.

Liberian match officials: Emmanuel Neewon (center referee), Elisha Johnson (assistant referee #1), Augustine Gooding (assistant referee #2), Jerry Yekeh (reserve referee or fourth official) and Nyanqueh Borsay (match commissioner).