Phoenix Rising: Liberians are Back in Contention

An Emotional Zizi Roberts in his return to the Lonestars

By M.V. Paasewe

Photos: Ahmed “Action in the Lens” Jallanzo

November 17, 2003

It was a match many Liberians could not wager on. The odds seemed hotly in favor of the visitors who had earlier flogged Lone Star 2-0 in Banjul . But Coach Kadala Kromah said he had a “surprise package”. Many believed that the verbose Lone Star head honcho was just shooting his mouth again.

And so, on Sunday November 16, 2003 the Antoinette Tubman Stadium was sparsely packed, evidence that the myriad supporters of Lone Star knew that Liberia’s chances of qualifying on home turf was like finding needle in a haystack.

Ten minutes of play however changed that perception, as the deadly Liberian attacking machinery led by Colorado Rapids forward Zizi Roberts, pummeled the Gambians’ vital zone to the delight of the handful of spectators and the thousands in radio land.

The onslaught nearly paid off in the 11 th minute, when a Tarkpor Sonkarlay blinding grounder was saved by the gargantuan Gambian goalie Pa Dembo Toure. Undeterred, the Liberians terrorized the Gambians as the spectators kept yelling for goal. And Zizi Roberts rose to the occasion in the 12 th minute with the well placed flick that beat a puzzled Toure.

Controversial cancellation

Knowing that a 1-0 lead meant little if they must qualify, the Liberians launched attack after attack against the Scorpions, who seemed more surprise by the organized play pattern of the host. Chief tormentor Zizi Roberts again proved too heavy to handle for the Gambians as he bulldozed the defense to shoot in a second goal. Alas, the goal was however disallowed, to the chagrin of the homesters and Zizi, who had seen the central ref pointing to the center line, but not the right-flank linesman’s offside flag.

The second half resumed with both teams sizing one another. Few minutes later, the Gambian attacking trio of Abdou Rahman, Arthur Gomez and Captain Jatto Cessay nearly caused heartbreak for the Liberians. But agile Sunday Sieh’s reflex was well conditioned.

Midway in the match, the Liberian midfield seemed to crack. Fast running Arthur Gomez, realizing the leakage, began to run rings around Tarkpor Sonkarlay and Varney Boakai. Josiah Seton, who had earlier wasted three begging chances at goal, now appeared to shadow walk behind the Gambians.

Well-timed substitution

Coach Kadala Kromah’s historic substitution of Seton for long-legged Isaac Tondo will be on the lips of many Lone Star fans for days, months and perhaps years to come. Tondo had been sidelined during tryouts. It was reported that he had performed poorly during the first leg match in Gambia .

Tondo is no stranger when it comes to salvaging the Lone Star. His vital two goals against Mauritius in the past African Nations Cup qualifiers are still remembered. But for a local talent, many did not expect the lad to rise to the occasion as he did on Sunday. His two classic goals speak for themselves.

Emerging from a baptism of fire with the 3-0 victory, the Lone Star’s World Cup and Nations Cup hope are once again revived. At least, for now.


Lone Star line up: (Standing, L-R)#9 Zizi Roberts; #8 Esaiah Benson; #7 Josiah Seton; #18 Alex Larfor; #14 Shelton Barlee and agile goalie Sunday Sieh. (Squatting, L-R) #2 Varney Boakai; #3 Tarkpor Sonkarlay; #4 Vamah Kpoto; #17 George Gebro and #5 Terence Dixon.



Gambia line up : (Standing, L-R) #5 Abdoulie Corr; #6 Sayfo Soley; #2 Momodu Colley; #4 Momodu Loum and goalie Pa Dembo Toure. (Squatting, L-R) #8 Abdou Rahman; #9 Arthur Gomez; #7 Edrisse Sonko; #11 Ebriam Sillah; #3 Abdoumahman Conateh and #10 captain Jatto Ceesay.