Players
Rating Liberia VS E.Guinea
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Wleh Bedell
The Lone Star of Liberia and her Central African counterpart, the
Nzalang Nacional's 0-0 draw at the ATS on Sunday dashed the hopes of
the hosts with the visitors on a slight rope of qualification for
the Ghana 2008 Nations cup finals.
How did the Lone Star players fare in the match is as follow:
Sunday Seah-After the previous
match against Cameroun which his side lost 2-1 at home, many
questioned the selection of Coach Frank Jericho Nagbe for the
decision to keep faith in a player who had not stood between the
sticks for close to three years.
But, in the match on Sunday, Seah put up a good show and in fact won
a MasterCard performance. Making three nerve wrecking saves (One to
one), the goalie cum striker's performance did not look like some
one who had being out of goal for such a lengthy period. He showed
good tactical awareness, salute catches and distribution. As captain
on the day he proved his worth.
Rating:9/10
Ezeah Benson- Another good
performer whose late minute call to the team raised some eyebrows
for the fact that there were already some promising players on the
squad who could have operated in such position effectively.
But, in fairness he operated at the right wing back position with
grace and style. The dreadlock player who plays as a lateral
midfielder (side midfielder) in Indonesia was a joy to watch in the
duel, as his overlapping runs, cleverly measured crosses and whole
hearted approach proved well. He in fact provided up to fifteen
crosses in the match which none of his playmates in the attacking
third could bury. The technically gifted player was lethal during
the attack and very accurate under pressure.
Rating:8/10
Solomon Grimes-playing at the
left wing back position looked a bit difficult for the local lad,
and could not get on to of his usual fluid style of football. He
slowed down his side attack and could not give crosses freely and
effectively. Each time the team went on the front foot and ball
played in his path, there was problem as he could not get the cross
in quickly. Since he was not a natural left footer at such position,
he would first put the ball on his favorite right foot which was
disadvantageous to his side as the opponents were able to regroup
quickly.
Rating:5/10
Ousman Larmin-There was not much
work needed to be done in central defense since the opponents played
negative football with just one striker upfront. But, Ousman and co
had to work each time their opponents went on the break. Through
this he was very efficient in sweeping away potential threats, and
was useful in starting his side build up. He however could not end
the match due to a knee injury.
Rating:6/10
Murphy Nagbe-Like Ousman, Murphy
did not have much defending to do, but at times looked vulnerable in
dealing with thru balls as well as organizing his back line. While
it is true the opponents rarely attacked, the burly striker was not
as inspiring as in the tie with Cameroun, and looked bewildered to
some extent.
Rating:6/10
Stephen Mennoh-Playing in the
balance midfield role, the hard worker stood accused of being much
attack minded as he abandoned such role on a host of occasion. This
was apparently due to the defensive style football introduced by the
opponents. He however could not provide the initial pass required of
a player in his side build up in such position. Plus to him though
was his marking ability, telling passes as well as his hunger to
rotate the score line as a means of getting the illusive goal.
Rating:6/10
James Koko Lomell-He was a first
half flop. His ability to provide the final ball to the frontline as
well as his surprise lack of mobility proved his undoing. His vision
were at times questionable as well. But, he raised his game in the
second stanza, but was surprisingly substituted after ten minutes
prompting many to say that was a programmed substitution.
The sleek footballer had his skills being used to the service of his
team as well as vision being
encouraging, but had to make way for a fresh pair of legs in John
Tarkpoh Sonkailey. In all his performance was a complete contrast of
his performance against Cameroun a fortnight.
Rating:5/10
Zah Krangar- The diminutive
player played some attractive football once more, as he settled team
mates, made runs in the box, as well as provided width. Operating on
the side of midfield, the little Zah made inroads as he got by
opponents with ease except that he was more concerned with providing
what would be termed as assists, and not showing hunger for goal.
His work rate was as well delightful.
Rating:7/10
Anthony Laffor- The towering
player who operated as well on the side of midfield was a huge
disappointment. He squandered a lot of begging chances and can be
described as one of the major reasons the Lone Star failed to win
the contest. The skillful forward failed to covert many clear cut
chances, and was belatedly substituted few minutes in the final
quarter of the fray.
Rating:5/10
Francis Doe:The deadly front
runner showed class in the final third, and can count himself
unlucky for not getting the ultimate. He made mazy runs, showed
great technique and was a committed all rounder in the six quarters
tussle. Had he received high quality supply of passes as was with
some of his teammates who squandered begging chances, perhaps the
story would have being different. Not a winner of aerial duels
though, and in future matches when he has service at his feet
regularly the net could be rattled.
Rating: 8/10
Dioh Williams-This was another
player who stand accused of timid finishing, and surprisingly ended
the full 90 minutes. He showed less fighting spirit, and as well
made pointless touches in key areas where a top notched striker
would go for glory in getting a much needed goal. He did not even
deserve playing for sixty minutes, but only the heavens know why he
was kept till the end of the melee. His performance can be described
as below par.
Rating: 5/10
Tarkpoh Sonkailey- Coming on a a
second half substitute the midfielder tried to ignite the game
upon his introduction, but soon dwindle in form as he could not
stamp his authority in the middle of the park. He made endless runs,
but could not orchestrate something special for his team. In the end
he was a somehow un showy replacement.
Rating:2/5
George Baysah-The defender who
came on as a mid second half replacement for the injured Larmin
Ousman can be described as an erratic substitute. He gave the ball
away cheaply despite less pressure from the opposition. His nervy
form disturbed his side build up and found it a bit difficult in
quickly switching from defense to attack.
Rating:1/5
Macolm Cephas- His contribution
in the last 13 minutes made others to ask as to why he was kept on
the bench for some poor performers. Coming on for Laffor He proved
an indefatigable hunter of the ball.His terrorizing ability and
strong runs added much steam to the Lone Star attack.
Rating:4/5
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