Lone Star departs for Niger

July 4,2003

LiberianSoccer.com Beat Reporter Bruce Wiah

A 24-man Liberia national team delegation is en route to Niger as the Lone Star takes on the Mena Gazelles this weekend.

The team left Ghana at 4:00 AM this morning aboard Ghana Airways for Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso where they’re expected to transit for a day.

Liberia FA veep and acting President, Counselor Izetta Wesley leads the delegation, which comprise 18 players, two coaches, a Doctor, masseur and a Protocol officer.

The players include: (Goalies) Andrew Williams and George Pratt, (Defenders) Murphy Nagbe, Tubman Johnson, Markson Gray, Opea Myers and Wisseh Walker.

Others are: (Midfielders) Ben Teekloh, Sylvester Treah, Bobby Neewray, Prince Darque, James Cooper and Raphael Siafa, (Strikers) Jeffrey Togba, Amos Kicmett, Buston Browne, Veto Sawyer and Himie Freeman.

All the players are based in Ghana and it’s unclear whether Prince Daye and Josephus Yenay now in Ghana would join them later.

Tunisian-based Frank Seator promised to fly directly to Niger when he showed up against Guinea two weeks ago.

The President proper of the FA Edwin Snowe who arrived in Ghana on Monday was instrumental in the team flight to Niger, but unconfirmed as to whether he’s making the trip.

Lone Star engages Niger in their last match in the 2004 ANC qualifier. Lone Star beat Niger 1-0 in the first leg played in Monrovia last year.

Although qualifying hasn’t been ruled out, both teams have six points each and would therefore be poised for the full three points.

Lying on the floor in Group 2, both team have deceptive hopes of qualifying with the mathematics that Guinea walks over Ethiopia in Conakry.

Guinea and Ethiopia have nine points apiece but the Guineans enjoy a comparative goal advantage.

If Niger beats Liberia by a wide goal variation or the other way round, and Guinea does the same, the permutations are likely to glide that winner through. ;