The Senegalese who ended their
Confederation of African Football (CAF) first round match against
premiership champions LPRC-Oilers goalless on Sunday, locked horns
with the Rollers in a friendly international before their trip
back home to prepare for the second leg on 5, March 2006.
The visitors made up to six changes
in their Sunday’s line up. They however looked organized in their
4-4-2 formation. Unlike the match against Oilers where they were
mostly defensive, the Senegalese Army side looked adventurous as
they took the game to their opponents.
Their efforts paid off in the
fourth minute when an in swinging corner from Abdulaye Gobaly was
beautifully executed by Sall who rose above everyone at the near
post to beat goal keeper Anthony Nagbe.
The Red boys who employed the 4-4-2
formation as well, showed some purpose as the likes of wing back
Patrick Doeplah, Ben Tisdell and Halie Lahai looked a bit more
purposeful. They tried to get on level terms, but attempts by
Nuzohn Kulala, George Miller, Junior Wilson and Alex Nimely proved
tall orders as the opponent’s defense kept them at bay to end the
half 1-0.
The Coach Christian Cole side began
the second stanza on a pressure cooker note with the diminutive
Solomon Grimes who failed trial in Moldova coming in the middle
third to inspire his side. Several attempts were made on the goal,
but towering shot stopper Baye Nbraga ensured his side maintained
their solitary goal lead.
The hosts then brought in two fresh
pairs of legs. First, livewire Kulala made way for Roots FC
lynchpin Eric Weeks, and midfield anchor man Junior Reeves made
way for Zelors FC play maker Abel Boimah after 22 minutes. It was
however the same old story until the Rollers found the equalizer
against the run of play.
A cleverly measured cross from
offense oriented wing back Patrick Doeplah formerly of Roots FC
was met on a volley from Abel Boimah in the 73rd minute to end the
match 1-1.
