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How Lone Star
Shaped Up in Addis Ababa
- Plus a Performance Analysis
April 8, 2003
Siebo D. Williams
Monrovia
By now it is history that Ethiopia won the first match
involving she and Liberia in both countries' existence. The match in
Addis Ababa was the third round of matches in the group stage of the
Confederation of African Football (CAF) 2004 Nations' Cup qualifiers.
Amidst poor preparation and uncertainty about Liberia's continuous
participation in the CAN 2004 qualifiers, the Government of Liberia
provided US$30,000, while the Liberia Football Association (LFA) gave
additional US$24,000 in the dying minutes to enable the Lone Star of
Liberia to honor the match.
Thanks go to the Chief Patron of Sports, President Charles Taylor and
the entire LFA family for making the match possible.
And so a 20-man local Lone Star delegation departed the country on
March 27, 2003 via Abidjan for Addis Ababa, while four professional
players joined them in Addis for the crucial match.
Our Sports Reporter, and one of Liberia's leading sports journalists,
commentators and columnists, Siebo D.Williams was part of the
delegation to Addis. He is now back in the country after a week and
few days in the Eastern African country.
He brings you an analytical report of how Lone Star shaped up in Addis
Ababa in the match Ethiopia versus Liberia. It is a collector's
collection read and enjoy it.
Following the last minute decision that the Lone Star would still
participate in the 2004 CAN qualifiers, a 20-man delegation departed
for Addis via Abidjan, while four professionals joined them there.
The local delegation arrived in Addis on Thursday night after 7 hours
flight from Monrovia to Addis. By early Friday morning, the likes of
pro players Alvin "Power" Kieh and Bill Neewray arrived, while George
Gebro touched down on Friday night and Edward Zico Dixon arrived early
Saturday morning. By late Saturdays night it was clear that Prince
Daye and Jimmy Dixon would not arrive for the match.
The reason for their stay away varied as far as both players were
concerned. Jimmy Dixon reportedly said that he was not going to Addis
Ababa because his counterpart, midfielder Dulee Johnson was not
invited for the match. There was another report that had it the player
said an earlier fax was sent to their club requesting the release of
two them, but later the LFA sent another fax requesting for he alone
release. This action he further stated did not go down well with his
club officials. Our reporter is yet to confirm these reports.
However, the team started training in Addis on Friday morning under
the watchful eyes of Technical Manager Kadalah Kromah, with Assistant
Coach Joseph Sayon, alias Kofi Bruce assisting. Administrative manager
Jacques Wortoh Anderson was busy compiling documents for the match.
After four training sessions in Addis Ababa amidst the high attitude
weather, coach Kromah and his staff psyched up the players for the
match.
On Sunday, March 30, 2003, the Lone Star delegation and playing team
departed their Wabe Shebelle Hotel in central Addis at 1:00 p.m. local
time (11:00 a.m. GMT) for the Haille Sellassie Stadium to begin match
formalities.
After concluding game formalities, the 25-year-old Djiboutian referee
sounded his whistle to commence the match. Lone Star parading goalie
Boye Pratt, Janjay Innis, George Gebro, Shelton Barlee, Varmah Kpoto,
Larmin Ousman, Alvin "Power" Kie, Bill "Sekou Bamba" Neewray, Henry
Gobah, Frederick Vah and Edward "Zico" Dixon played a 4-5-1 formation
to combat the Ethiopians German formation of 3-5-2.
Playing under straight instructions from coach Kromah and his staff,
the Liberians executed those instructions to the letter, thus denying
the home side many scoring opportunities.
Liberia would have broken the camel's back in the first five minutes
of play had striker Henry Gobah scored a God-given opportunity. A
midfield buildup involving Larmin Ousman, Bill Neewray, Edward Dixon
and Frederick Vah saw the Barrolle midfielder giving a defence-splitting
pass to striker Gobah. The LISCR striker had only the Ethiopian goalie
to beat, but his shot landed in the hands of the Ethiopian goalie to
the relief of the home side.
On countless occasions, goalie Boye Pratt made significant saves
including a penalty that he saved twice from an Ethiopian forward. The
Ethiopians were awarded a fake penalty after George Gebro thwarted an
Ethiopian winger from encroaching into Lone Star's defense. The
Assistant Referee firstly signaled for a corner kick, only to be
reversed by the referee following a protest from a single Ethiopian
player that the ball touched the hand of George Gebro.
When the ball was placed on the spot, goalie Pratt saved it
magnificently amidst thunderous applause from the Ethiopian fans.
When it was clear that the Ethiopians could not score from the field
of play, the referee awarded them a spot kick in Lone Star's 18 yard
box. Goalie Pratt made a save and later played the ball in field, only
for the referee to call for an indirect kick.
The Liberians protested the referee's call but was to no avail. A
defense wall was built deep inside the 18-yard box. When the Lone Star
defenders attempted coming forward to give goalie Pratt a view of the
ball, the referee threatened them with yellow card, thus they had to
move back, thus blocking the view for goalie Pratt.
Even when an Ethiopian struck the ball that resulted to the lone goal,
it did not move a circumference in keeping with the laws of the game.
Another player should have played the ball to him before kicking it.
But the player only put his foot on the ball before his teammate kick
it into the net. Despite a protest from the Liberians, the 25-year-old
Djiboutian referee ruled for a goal.
By this time it was about 10 minutes of play left in that crucial
match. Lone Star captained by Varmah Kpoto refashioned her game
strategy and mounted pressure to find an equalizer, but was to no
avail.
When the referee sounded the final whistle, the Ethiopian home fans
gave the Liberian team a standing ovation for putting up a splendid
show. Goalie Boye Pratt was mobbed by hundreds of Ethiopians, while
the rest of the team was hailed.
The result means Lone Star must beat Ethiopia and Guinea in Monrovia
in June of this year to take charge in their Group.
As usual, our Sports Reporter brings you a player performance analysis
having watched the match in Addis Ababa with an objective and critical
eye.
Goalie Boye Pratt (#1)-- The star of the day. He is my "Man of
the match". The game was his second international for the Lone Star.
He is a local goalie that was chosen ahead of Switzerland-based goalie
Louis Crayton by coach Kromah and his staff for that match. The LPRC
Oilers goalie was calm, composed and agile as he made many saves,
including a penalty. His strength was his timeliness for aerial
crosses, as well as his smartness between the post. He was always
available to thwart the Ethiopians' move, something which made him a
hero in Addis. No wonder that he was contacted by Ethiopia's richest
club St. Georges to play in the East African country. Goalie Pratt
should be given more opportunities and the sky will be the limit.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Janjay Innis (#2)-- He was called on the team to beef up the
squad by Assistant coach Joseph Sayon, alias "Kofi Bruce". Janjay who
is a midfielder, was asked to play in defense following a gap in
defense when Jimmy Dixon failed to show up. He was a revelation on the
number two position. He played the ball economically, meaning he did
not waste the ball as he always provided support to mifdielders Larmin
Ousman and Bill Neewray. He was very impressive as twin-centre back
and consistently dispossessed his opponents. A solid and tough
performer. If he decides to play that position, he could likely make
it his own. No wonder he has played professional football in
Switzerland for nine years. Rating: 8 out of 10.
George Gebro (#3)-- Covered well for both fullbacks and was
seldom beaten in tackles. A solid performance that won him the respect
of local strikers who steered clear of him following a few crunching
tackles. His performance just showed his consistency. His tackles were
timely, anticipation very good, ball possession superb and delivered
to the midfielders and forwards very well. He could not spring into
attack as usual due to instructions to stay at bay due to the high
attitude weather. Rating: 8 out 10.
Shelton Barlee (#4)-- It was his second international for the
Lone Star. Usually at right full back on the team, he showed his
versatility by doing an excellent job as a stopper. His organizational
abilities were superb as he combined with Varmah Kpoto well. No wonder
he is wanted by Ethiopia's richest club. Keep up the good job Shelton,
the sky is the limit for you. Rating: 8 out 10.
Varmah Kpoto (#5)-- Showed composure and never panicked under
pressure. An intelligent defender who knew when to tackle and passed
the ball with finesse. He was the defense rock as usual. He broke
almost all the threats from the Ethiopian Belgium-based striker. He
was also superb in launching attacks and coordinated well with the
midfielders and forwards. He is a player every coach would love to
have on their team. Rating 8 out of 10.
Larmin Ousman (#6)-- In his second international for the Lone
Star, Larmin Ousman has shown that he is a solid and tough defensive
midfielder. A terrier in midfield, who fought for every ball in
midfield, slowed things down, initiated attacks and made the
Ethiopians look ordinary. With his work rate, if he is combined with
Oliver Makor, Bill Neewray, Dulee Johnson and Kelvin Sebwe, Lone
Star's midfield will hard to crack. No wonder he is on his way back to
Sweden to continue his professional career. Rating: 8 out 10.
Alvin "Power" Kie (#7)-- He should be given the main striker
role in future games. A terrific shot shooter indeed and blessed with
fine dribbling and ball possession skills. Had "Power" not pulled his
muscle in the 35th minute, it would have been a different story for
the Ethiopians. But for the 35th he played, he covered every blade of
grass on the right side of midfield and attack. A tough performer when
given the main striker role would surely lead Lone Star to its third
Nations' Cup finals in 2004. Rating: 8 out 10.
Bill "Sekou Bamba" Neewray (#8)-- was the midfield general and
controlled proceedings like a true leader. He won every tackle and
created countless opportunities for the attackers. Mind you, this was
Bill Neewray's second match for Lone Star. He made his debut in
Conakry. He is always called whenever there is an away game, meaning
he is a very strong player. With his work rate, he should be
given the opportunity to play on home, something that will surely
bring out the real Bill Neewray who thrilled Ivory Coast when he
played semi professional there before moving to Switzerland. In
Addis, Bill was seen all over the pitch in search of opponents who had
the ball in their possession. A strong shot shooter as well, who is
capable of playing striker too. He should be given more opportunities
and the sky will be his limit. Rating: 8 out 10.
Henry Gobah (#9)-- Was unfortunate to be denied by the
Ethiopian goalie in the fifth minute. But order than that, Gobah did
played as a young upcoming player. Had he had the opportunity to
international test matches prior to the game, he would have broken the
Ethiopian's back in the first five minutes when the chance came his
way. With his sharp shooting skills, he needs to be given more
opportunities. Rating: 7 out 10.
Frederick Vah (#10)-- His role was to rove between the midfielders
and the attackers. From the inception, he did carry out the coaches'
instructions, but fell short as the game progressed. He said the
weather had a toll on him. He was replaced in the second half by Oscar
Glaydor. He is blessed with great shooting abilities, but Vah never
tested the Ethiopian goalie. He needs more exposure before future
competition games. Rating: 7 out 10.
Edward "Zico" Dixon (#11)-- A solid performer in midfield, but
seldom ventured forward into attack.
Created panic in Ethiopia's ranks whenever he moved forward. He was
fouled on countless occasions, the only way to stop him. He took the
game to the Ethiopians very well despite arriving on early Saturday
morning prior to the match. With his work rate and experience, he is
an asset in the team's qualification campaign. Rating: 8 out 10.
Isaac Tondo (# 9)-- He replaced Alvin "Power" Kie after the
Cyprus-based pulled his muscle. Tondo continues to show impressive
form in his international appearances for the Lone Star. An
outstanding performer who created havoc whenever in possession. His
running on and off the ball created trouble. Keep up the good job
Tondo. Rating: 8 out 10.
Oscar "Zaire" Glaydor (# 10)-- He replaced Frederick Vah in the
second half. He began his sojourn by carrying out the coaches'
instruction, but changed later. He later told our reporter that his
colleagues asked him not venture in attack, something which rub Lone
Star of getting a goal. He too said the weather did have a toll on
him. He did not release one of his trade marks, that is his powerful
shots. Rating: 7 out 10.
Technical Staff - Coach Kadalah Kromah and his staff did execute their
instructions well to the players. Firstly, they discovered that the
Ethiopians' German coach would have employed a 3-5-2 system, and thus
counteracted it with 4-5-1.
The Ethiopians' German coach hailed Kadalah and his staff and Lone
Star players for playing so well counteracting his strategies. He said
the Guineans took 14 professionals to Addis and lose, but Lone Star
had only four professionals and played so well.
Technical Manager Kadalah and his crew that included
Administrative Manager Jacques Wortoh Anderson, Assistant coach Joseph
Sayon, Dr. Philderald Pratt and Masseur Abraham Kaba provided the
necessary ingredients that made Lone Star performed the way she did in
Addis Ababa. Rating: 8 out 10.
Recommendations- There is a need for early preparation for the
two games against Ethiopia and Guinea. Lone Star can move to the top
of the group when she wins the two home games.
The local football house must ensure that the rest of the professional
players who did not show up are available. The likes of Zizi Roberts,
Prince Daye, Jimmy Dixon, Dulee Johnson, Kelvin Sebwe, Oliver Makor
and Fallah Johnson are invited to join ranks with Bill Neewray, Alvin
Kie, George Gebro, Edward Dixon, Larmin Ousman, Janjay Innis, Boye
Pratt, Shelton Barlee, Henry Gobah, Isaac Tondo, Tarkpo Sonkarliey,
Frederick Vah, Lartee Jackson, Oscar Glaydor among others for the
remaining games.
Coach Kromah and staff must also focus on those pro players who are
always willing to make sacrifices when its comes to away matches.
The Government must also provide funds on time to enable the Lone Star
begin early preparation.
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