Lone Players Rating Against Namibia


By Wleh Bedell

The Lone Star of Liberia far from convincing solitary goal victory against the visiting Brave Warriors of Namibia in an African Nations Cup qualifier on Wednesday, February 29, at the ATS makes their second leg on the weekend of June 15-17, away in Windhoek a very tough one and plenty to do as far as the team’s progress to the final round of the qualifiers is concerned.

A 64th minute goal from the Swedish based lanky assassin Dioh Williams right in the goal mouth of the visitors after being released by the man from Moscow, Sekou Jabateh Oliseh, gave the 1996 African Nations Cup debutants a slender lead against the 1998 African Nations Cup debutants. But, how did the players on the park that sunny afternoon fare is what Wleh Bedell leafs through.

Nathaniel Sherman: The local club Roots FC goaltender was a great help to his side as he made two nerve wrecking saves in both halves all from close range after his defense was breached via quick passing and subtle moves from the Southern Africans. He showed tactical alertness and was quick off his line. However, his distribution was poor and lacks long or strong kicks especially when the ball is set on the floor during a goal kick.
Rating: 7.5

Solomon Grimes: The diminutive full back rarely ventured forward as there was virtually no crosses from his side of the pitch. Made some inroads though by dribbling in a cross field manner, and was also promising defensively, but it looked like the Cypriot club Nea Salamis 24 year old defense pillar suffered from exhaustion and was not as influential as in other matches where his scampering overlapping runs down the channel were always a handful.
Rating: 5.5

George Gebro: The 29 year old newly signed on local outfit Invincible Eleven (IE) winger-central midfielder-converted full back showed he still has plenty of football in him and proved an ‘Immortal’ character. His hardworking attribute made him tough to get by as he was aggressive, though he did not venture forward frequently in providing the cleverly measured crosses, his position was nonetheless secured in keeping the opponents off to some extent. He ran out of steam in the dying ambers as he over worked.
Rating: 7.0

Solomon Wesseh: The local outfit LPRC Oilers defender proved uncompromising and was a constant threat in attacking set pieces especially corners at the back post. He was a difficult opponent as he dispossessed opponents and broke down some plays form the opposition.
Rating: 7.5

Jimmy Dixon: This Manisaspor rearguard had to abandon the match in the first half due to an injury which he apparently had before coming into the country. His unhealthy state showed during training where he was not regular. However, his good reading of the game and neat marshalling of the back four were admired until he was stretched off.
Rating: 5.0

Alseny Keita Kamolosilah: In just his third cap where he already has a goal, the former Guinean youth international was the master card performer or man of the match. His tactical awareness, good work ethic, precision passing mainly at sideway, natural ball winning instinct and gumption in moving forward were so eye pleasing. The 28 year old has certainly stepped in the shoes of the industrious Oliver Markor who was the “machine man” during the famous George Weah era. Markor certainly has a replacement in the French amateur club (equivalent to the Fourth Division) US Senart-Moissy midfielder. He is” Mr. Reliable” of the Lone Star and is also “midfield efficient”.
Rating: 8.5

Theo Lewis Weeks: There were some question marks on his distribution as he was used in a relatively unlikely role of offensive midfielder to supply the front men. Though there was not penetration from the Turkish club Goztepe hard working player, he however showed great work rate in the middle third and made some probing runs and quick dribbles deep in the opponents half as he tried pulling the strings in the engine room.
Rating: 6.5

• Anthony Snorti Laffor: Those who regularly criticize the towering winger cum captain were made to eat their words at least as he showed purpose and promise. The newly signed on South African side Mamelodi Sundowns width provider was a constant threat mainly in the first half as he tried to end his goal drought internationally in his 22nd match. The player showed some ambition as he combined speed with skills in terrific fashion to lift the crowd. His pace was exhilarating and was lively in the wide area. But, the pressure looked like on him in trying to score to disprove the critics and was a bit over enthusiastic.
Rating: 7.5

Sekou Jabateh Oliseh: This new generation leader from Russian club CSKA Moscow had an uninspiring first half as he conceded possession too often. He tried a low free kick which tested the towering goalkeeper from Namibia, but by his standards he had a very less vintage first half. But, in the second period, the 21 year old showed glimpses of the form against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions league round of 16 first round. He managed to show some redemption of his form on the day when he provided a tea-cup assist for the goal after mesmerizing two defenders close to the byline. At times he over elaborated and did too much show boating. But, the crowd loved it as they became vociferous. Also, his work ethic when the team was on the back foot left much to be desired.
Rating: 6.0

Dioh Williams: The lanky box of tricks who jetted in from the United States where his side BK Hacken is said to be on preseason in the evening hours on the eve of the game, was a handful to the opposition as his sublime skills, mazy runs, and drives from deep made life uneasy for the two times African Nations Cup side. His goal after being tee up by Jabateh was well executed and though he came off later on apparently due to a knock, his overall performance was more threatening to the Namibian backline, except that he too had some question marks as far as his recovering runs in helping his side defensively is concerned.
Rating: 8.0

Patrick Wleh: The 21 year old from Malaysian club Sime Darby showed some promising display and his aerial power added another dimension to the attack of the 1990 and 2002 World Cup finals narrow misses as far as qualification was concerned. He could have released Laffor for the opener, but too much time on the ball, coupled with some great intervention from the opposing goalkeeper denied the Lone Star. One problem was his inability to really shield the ball from his marker which caused him to at times concede possession. Also, he proved too flashy and lacked the technical arrogance upfront. Instead of heading balls, he was keen on cushioning them in the box which was a major question mark to his game. He too suffered from exhaustion and had to be substituted.
Rating: 7.0

Teah Dennis, Jr.: The Barrack Young Controllers (BYC) stopper who came on in the first period for an injured Jimmy Dixon made several good interventions and thwarting attacks. He showed calmness and intelligence, but his lack of much power is something that caused brief stir. Overall, he put his floppy performance in the 0-2 friendly against Nigeria behind him as he was largely on top of his game this time as Jimmy was kept in distant memory.
Rating: 6.0

Ansu Toure: A complete passenger on the park. The 30 year old unattached winger was very ordinary, impact less and below par. He was indeed game rusty and was more of a problem to his side than a solution. The coming of the former Swiss club Locarno player did change nothing actually for his side and must now concentrate on being attached to a club order than playing for the senior national team.
Rating: 4.0

Martin Kendue: The former Liberian champions Mighty Barrolle balanced midfielder who came on for Patrick Wleh helped shut the door as far as Namibia finding the equalizer was concerned. He helped provide a trident midfield line which made the Lone Star maintain their lead in the contest.
Rating: 5.0