Liberia in Must Win Game



The Sr National football of Liberia, the Lonestars go into this weekend encounter against Gambia in a must win position. With Liberia being at the Bottom of the table for the Joint world cup and African nations cup qualifiers, the result must be the full 3 points from this game. Liberia will need to get the maximum of 6 points from the next two games to have a chance at the next round.

The winners of each group make it to the next round , also the top runner ups qualify for another round of play. The Group leaders Senegal have 8 points followed by Liberia's next opponent Algeria with 6 points. Both teams match up this weekend in Algeria. Gambia sits third on the table with 5 points . Gambia face Senegal in Dakar in October. Liberia sits on the bottom of the table with 2 points and face Algeria in Monrovia for the final match of the first round in October.

Speaking to the LFA chief Scribe Mr George Williams, the team appears to be in High Spirits. The team departs for Gambia on Thursday with the German Coach Antoine Hey at the Helm.

The team will consist of some professionals and local players.

The Lone star Strike force will be missing the services of Francis “ Grandpa” Doe and hit man Anthony Laffor in this tie. Both players are nursing injuries sustained playing for club teams. Doe began practicing with the MLS , DC United outfit this week after undergoing successful surgery on his toe. Laffor is still recovering from a brutal tackle inflicted on him in a recent PSL game in South Africa

The defense is also a dilemma,. Reports from Monrovia has Goal Keeper Lewis Crayton making remarks of not returning to the team on a on-air interview in Monrovia. The Status of Lonestar skipper Murphy Nagbe is still not clear. Murphy was positive that he would return for this match . He has not trained with the team but was seen walking without limp.

With Jimmy Dixon and Solomon Grimes in the back. The addition of previously un-capped left back Willis Farkor is very important. Varmoa Kporto looks like he will play the right back if Solomon Grimes can not make the trip. Clarence Omega Roberts looks to replace Nagbe in the central Defence role. This lad has international Experience as he was featured during former Coach Jericho Nagbe tenure.

Also out for this game will be the young Defensive Midfielder Theo Weeks. Weeks is being sideline for a match suspension as a result of Yellow Cards.

The LFA is in disarray with the FIFA probe and has lost focus on the importance of this match. If Liberia fails to qualify for the next round. International football will be at a standstill in Liberia for the next two years.

The Players listed for this encounter are
:Local based :James koko Lommel, Clarence Roberts, Anthony Togba, James Zotiah, George baysah, Joseph Hina, Varmah Kpoto, Morris Donzo , Sengbe Kennedy
Indonesia : Essiah Benson, Zar Krangar, Steve Mennoh, Boakai Fody
Europe: Dioh Williams, Dixon Jimmy, Dullee Johnson, Willis Forko Oliver Makor, Ben Teekloh

From the list It looks like two players are returning to the Lonestar…Vermah Kpoto as an insurance for Solomon Grimes and Goal keeper Anthony Togba in the net.

The team Arrived Banjul today and the Professionals will fly direct to Banjul.