By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay
Sierra Leone National team, Leones Stars have a difficult task ahead of the m on Sunday following their 3-1 defeat in Liberia on Wednesday evening.
Both teams were playing the first of two legs of preliminary World Cup qualifiers. The team with a better goal difference will progress to the second phase of the qualifiers were they will be drawn with 39 other countries in ten groups of four.
Sierra Leone nearly went down to a goal in the opening minutes after Kpah Shermans ball struck the post. 17 minutes later, Sierra Leone went a goal down after they conceded a penalty. The South Africa based midfielder, Terrence Tidell converted the penalty for the homes side to give the home side the lead.
Leone Stars showed glimpse of brilliance to fight their way through but could not succeed. Liberia eventually took the 1-0 lead to halftime. When both teams returned Leone Stars tried to connect passes for the equalizer, but for a team that has not played international football for a year they were clearly struggling with fluidity. But luck struck soon after Musa Tombo assisted Kwame Quee for snappy goal. 1-1 that was the equalizer.
Knowing they needed to win this game, Lone Stars piled pressure. Sam Johnson, the Lone Star captain also hit the post with his on the 75th minute. The pressure from Liberia and defensive frailties soon meant that Leone Stars defence would crack and crack they did. 10 minutes to the game Leone Stars conceded another penalty. Mohamed Sangare who came from the bench, converted the spot kick to give Liberia a 2-1.
Just when everyone thought it was over, laps in concentration gave the Lone Star captain Sam Johnson a chance to increase the lead of Liberia on the 89th minute.
Game Over! It is Liberia 3-1 Sierra Leone
Peter Butler took this Liberia team out for the first time and the impression was great.
Sierra Leone now have to beat Liberia 2-0 or better to qualify on Sunday.
LEONE STARS STARTING TEAM
- Solomon Zombo Morris (GK)
- Mustapha Dumbuya
- Hassan Milla Sesay
- Umaru “Zaingalay” (C)
- Ishmael “Jaw Jaw” Koroma
- John B. Kamara
- Kwame Kuee
- Abu “Diaby” Dumbuya
- Ansu Kamara
- Musa M. (Tombo) Kamara
- Alimamy Y. “Azonto” Bundu
SUBSTITUTES
- Alhaji Sesay
- Mohamed Buya Turay
- Yeami Dunia
- Ibrahim Mansaray
- Edmon Michael
- Alpha Bedor Kamara
- Abdul Buduski Sesay
- Mustapha Bundu
LONE STARS STARTING LINE UP
13. Joel Johnson (GK)
12. Gasimu Kouyateh
3. Teah Dennis
4. Alvin Mccornell
19. Oscar Dorley
6. Allen Njie
20. Seth Hellberg
21. Terrence Tisdell
17. Sam Johnson (C)
9. Kpah Sherman
Substitutes
Tommy Songo
Jermy Saygbe
Bon Benaiah
Tonia Tisdell
Sylvanus Nimley
Mohamed Sangare
Marvin Blapoh
Christopher Jackson
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