Monrovia – Kpah Sherman scored as Liberia maintained unbeaten record against Chad in the Confederation of African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Report by Jaheim T. Tumu – [email protected]
The match was the fourth time these two countries have met and it was Liberia’s third win against Chad.
The last time these two met, it was in the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup qualifiers preliminary round in 2002 for South Korea and Japan.
Liberia won the first leg away from home, thanks to Kelvin Sebwe’s 44th-minute effort before a 0-0 draw in Monrovia.
All photos by Ahmed Jallanzo
The Wednesday, 09 October match was a cagey affairs despite Liberians expecting a heroic performance from their side following the triumph over Sierra Leone in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Freetown, Sierra Leone where Ashley Williams was the hero of the match.
English Coach Peter Butler’s side started on a frantic note following Sam Johnson’s delicious pass to Kpah Sherman in the 4th minute after the forward beat the goalkeeper, his right foot effort was blocked by the goalkeeper to deny Lone Star.
Sherman once again was at the center of attraction for attention in the 15th minute after missing a close range but missed from six yard out.
Liberians were optimistic following the early chances and their boys in their national colours — Red, White and Blue, almost got their reward in the 20th minute but Terrence Riddell’s ambitious effort passed inches across the opponents’ goal.
But with 22rd minute on the clock, it was brave defending from Terry Dennis, who once had an altercation with Sports Writers Association of Liberia president Roland Mulbah, to stop Casimir Ninga, a golden opportunity.
However, with 42rd minute on the clock, Sherman registered his official goal for Lone Star since scoring against Nigeria in a friendly.
Back from their recess, Coach Butler introduced William Jebor, who missed both legs against Sierra Leone for personal reason.
Following his introduction, it was Slylnavus Nimely, also a substitute who almost light the atmosphere in the 70th minute but his volley went over the cross bar.
But as the game reached it boiling point, Ashley Williams who had saved a late penalty in Sierra Leone to stop the Leone Stars from the next round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifier, again denied the Chadians a late equaliser in the 89th minute.
Before the game on Wednesday, a source close to the national team camp had disclosed to this newspaper that William Jerbo was going to start the match from the bench.
Jerbo, the current top goal scorer of the current generation of Lone Star’s players with 12 goals from 16 matches, has been out of active football for three months and Coach Peter Butler has opted to maintain his team that qualified over Sierra Leone.
Ashely William kept his place in goal while Jeremy Saygbe replaced Joel Johnson at right, Gasimu Kouyateh, Teah Dennis and Alvin Marccornel completed the back four.
Mohammed Sangara made his second start for Liberia along with Allen Nijie and Murphy Dorley. These were Liberia’s men in the midfield.
Terence Tisdell, Kpah Sherman and Sam Johnson worked things out against Chad’s defense.
The game started by 4 p.m. on Wednesday.