Liberia Falls Again


                     Kpah Sherman during the WAFU nations cup in Nigeria


Staff Report

The National Soccer Team of Liberia had had a disappointing start for this year’s soccer sojourn.

Even ahead of its encounter with Namibia on February 29, 2012 in the qualification series of the World Cup and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in Monrovia, the team, on Wednesday exhibited a dismal display of competitive soccer, disgracefully bowing down at home to the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Under the watchful eyes of Italian Coach Roberto Landi, the Lone Star was defeated 2-0 at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in front of a huge home crowd.

Nigeria’s two goals came through striker Azubuike Egwueke.

Liberia’s premiership Golden Boot holder Vatali Sie of LISCR FC, Watanga FC Puncher Ballah Somah and Barrack Young Controllers forward Leon Power aimlessly ran the attacking session of the national team and could hardly manage a single goal for Liberia.

Even an 83rd-minute golden opportunity which should have raised the team’s hope was wasted by James Soto Roberts due to poor anticipation.

Liberia has lost to Nigeria three times in four meetings. The team settled to a 1-all draw in Monrovia during the first leg of the London 20212 Olympic qualifiers and got beaten 6-1 in Lagos by the Super Eagles.

The Lone Star was again whipped 1-0 in the WAFU tournament just a few days following their 6-1 walloping by Nigerian home-based team in the second leg of the London Olympic qualifiers.

With such a ‘flat-footed performance by the Lone Star in the wake of the poor football administration in the country, soccer fans yesterday expressed fear about the team’s ability to improve.

In another development, Liberia’s premiership champions LISCR FC’s international fixture against Berekum Chelsea of Ghana comes alive this Sunday at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium.

Four players of the national team will join LISCR FC- defensive midfielders Gideon Williams and Michael Macaulay, center back Alvin Dixon, right-back Trokon Zeon and skipper Vatali Sie will feature for the Liberian side.