In 2006 World Cup Germany Preliminary:
How Lone Star Fared Against Gambia
-A Player’ Performance Analysis

By Siebo Williams - Liberia Correspondent
November 20, 2003

As usual, our Liberia Sports Correspondent, Siebo D. Williams, watched the match with an eagle’s eye and now brings you a players’ performance analysis.

Sunday Seah (Goalie): He had a fine game and made some sticky and tricky saves. Apart from the misjudged run that saw him collide against a Gambian forward, he was up to the task. His outside experience is paying off. Rating: 8 out of 10.

Esaiah Benson (No. 2): The match was his third full international for the Lone Star. He was solid for the entire first half, but in the second half made some slack mistakes apparently due to winger Sonkarliey not coming down to assist him. His terrific shot was parried by goalie Toure to the disbelief of Liberians. He is a solid performer who should be given more attention. Rating: 8 out 10.

Morris “Power” Baryour (No. 3): It was his second international match, something which caused some nervous moments for him. He began on a good note, but latter made some terrible mistakes. His tackles were timely, but made passes to his opponents on countless occasions. There is more room for improvement if he is given the opportunity. Rating 6 out 10.

Shelton Barlee (No. 4): He was my defense chief of the match. He was calm and controlled the defense line well. He did not panic despite the intense pressure the Gambians put up in the early minutes of the second half. He is another rock of Gilbrata in the making if given the necessary exposure: Keep up the good work Shelton. Rating: 8 out of 10.

Varmah Kpoto (No. 5): His performance this time around was not on par to his previous performance as he made some mistakes. His passes were some time faulty. But on a general note, he thwarted some tricky situations and guided the back. His outside experience was his trademark in the match. Rating: 7 out of 10.

Anthony Langford (No. 6): He started the match on a good note with his tricky passes and ball possession skills. Later on in the match, he held on to the ball and wanted to juggle it instead of releasing it to his forward on time, something which robbed the home side of many opportunities. He was not that strong on the ball due to his slim posture, but is another potential midfielder in the making. No wonder he is being tutored at Obuasi Goldfields Soccer Academy in Ghana. He has an eye for the game. Rating: 7 out of 10.

Varney Boakai (No. 7): He wanted to play above himself desperately, but anxiety robbed him. Apart from that he was strong in pressing and provided a pass that was missed by Josiah JB Seton. Varney is a player with great potential, no wonder he is the MVP of the LFA league. Had he relaxed a little bit, he would have caused more havoc for the Gambians. Rating: 7 out of 10.

George Gebro (No. 8): This was his first time playing as a midfielder on the Lone Star unlike his previous defensive role. He was strong in his tackle and won most of the balls in midfield, but was at times faulty in his distribution. Had a nice game and made countless attacks on the left wing when he was moved on the left side of midfield. Gebro played with his usual serious mood and was fouled on many occasions by the visitors. If he is kept in midfield for future game, he could be an asset. Rating: 8 out of 10.

Josiah JB Seton (No. 9): He had a tough game at the hands of the Gambian defense. He was not given a breathing space. He had to over work in the air to provide assistance to the attack. Had he not curled a Varney Boakai’s square pass too deeply, he would have scored the second goal. According to coach Kromah, JB was asked to stay on top the keep the Gambian defense at bay, while Zizi Roberts did the roving attacking. He did follow the coach’s instruction. Maybe he could be used on the right wing, where he usually comes from to explode into attack. (Rating: 7 out of 10).


Zizi Roberts (No. 10): It was his first game for the Lone Star since the 2002 Mali Nations Cup finals. He did not disappoint as he played well and coordinated with the local players and the other foreign-based players. Zizi scored the opening goal which broke the visitors’ back. Had he not been adjudged offside, he would have scored what would have been rated the best goal in the game. It was his second effort that resulted into Isaac Tondo scoring the third goal for Lone Star. He should be encouraged to come back. Rating 9 out of 10.

Takpor Sonkarliey (No. 11): It was his fourth international game for the Lone Star, but the young lad played as though he is a veteran. His ball possession skills and shooting ability were exhibited. His first terrific shot resulted into the corner that Zizi Roberts scored for goal number one. Another shot from him that beat goalie Toure saw Isaac Tondo following up to score the second goal. If this lad is given more opportunity, the sky would be his limit. No wonder his manager John Rufus Ballah is working around the clock to have him moved to a soccer academy in Africa or Europe. Keep up the good Takpor. Rating: 9 out of 10.

Isaac Tondo (Substitute): He came on for Josiah Seton. He was on time to score two rebounds that edged out the Gambians. Prior to the match, Tondo’s performance had dropped and was told by coach Kromah that the Gambia match was his last chance. He did heed the coach’s word and scored the needed goals. He should forget about seeing himself as a big player and concentrate on his career as the road is still very long for him. Keep focus Isaac. Rating: 8 out of 10.