MONROVIA – Liberia’s national football team, Lone Star, delivered an impressive performance on Tuesday night, defeating neighbors Sierra Leone 3-1 in an entertaining international friendly match at the Samuel K Doe Sports Complex Stadium.
By Christopher C. Walker christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com
The hosts started brightly, but it was the visitors who threatened first, forcing Lone Star goalkeeper Junior Yeaney into a crucial early save following a dangerous attacking move.
Liberia responded immediately with a series of offensive attempts, with midfield Divine Teah coming closest when his effort narrowly missed the target after a swift counterattack initiated by defender Netus Swen.
Lone Star continued to pile on the pressure and broke the deadlock in the 30th minute through Sabastine Teclar. The left back reacted quickest to a rebound after an initial strike from Kpah Sherman was parried by the Sierra Leonean goalkeeper, giving Liberia a well-deserved 1-0 lead.
The home side doubled their advantage four minutes before the interval when Divine Teah brilliantly dispossessed a Sierra Leonean defender before driving forward and delivering a precise pass to Ayouba Kosiah, who slotted it home from close range to make it 2-0 in the 41st minute.
The first half concluded with Liberia firmly in the driver’s seat.
Upon resumption, the host team nearly extended their lead. Sherman delivered a dangerous cross into the box, but a lack of communication between Philibert Tarnue and Ayouba Kosiah caused the opportunity to go begging.
Sierra Leone’s uphill task became even steeper midway through the second half when one of their defenders was shown a straight red card following a reckless challenge on Liberia’s Kindness Cole.
Capitalizing on the numerical advantage, Liberia continued to orchestrate chances. Divine Teah produced a brilliant run down the flank, but his cross was deflected for a corner and but the resulting set-piece, was headed sailed just wide of the target by Kosiah.
The decisive third goal arrived in the 72nd minute with Teclar turning provider, setting up USA-based defender Philibert Tarnue, who showcased superb individual brilliance before finding the back of the net.
The strike marked Tarnue’s first international goal in Liberian colors, extending the lead to 3-0.
The match took a temporary turn in the closing stages when Liberia’s Jeybay Konneh was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, reducing the hosts to ten men.
Sierra Leone managed to pull a goal back in stoppage time, capitalizing on a late lapse in the hosts’ defense.
However, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation prize as Liberia comfortably managed the remaining seconds of the match.
Despite a late surge by the visitors in the final moments, the Lone Star defense remained resolute to secure the convincing 3-1 victory at the final whistle.
The resounding victory will provide a major psychological boost for Liberia as the technical staff and squad continue their preparations for upcoming crucial international assignments.
