Liberia Held to Goalless Draw by Niger in Another International


Written by Danesius Marteh


Liberia were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Niger, whose resolute defensive performance, kept the hosts' attacking talents at bay at the Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex in Paynesville on August 14.

Francis Grandpa Doe, wearing the captain’s armband arguably for the first time, was Liberia’s sharpest player throughout the game as Niger were reduced to set-piece scraps. James Soto Roberts came close to scoring in the 10th minute but his effort was saved by goalie Saminou Rabo.

Five minutes later, tormentor-in-chief Doe sandwiched the defensive trio of Mohammed Chicoto and Kofi Dankwa before hitting the side net with a left foot shot.

The Egypt-based striker had another attempt on goal in the 24th minute after he was cleverly connected by midfielder Samuel Thompson but goalie Rabo brilliantly dived to save his banana chip, which was rebounded to the onrushing Marcus Macaulay but the midfielder’s effort went sky high.

It looked like Doe had found the curtain raiser in the 40th minute with a 25-yard thunderbolt after the stylish Thompson, likened to Nigeria’s Austin Okocha as a ball juggler, fumbled with his own ball this time around.



Niger created fewer chances in the first half through Moustapha Garba and Issoufou Alassan but goalie Saylee Swen was at his best. Back from the break, it was Liberia that troubled the defence of Niger with Doe and James Soto Roberts bemoaning several missed chances. But Garba tested the resolute of goalie Swen after he easily beat defenders Teah Dennis and Trokon Zeon but the LPRC goalkeeper parried away his effort for a corner kick.

With the clock ticking towards stoppage time, second half substitute Martin Karndu’s acrobatic kick put the relatively empty stadium into a celebratory mood but goalie Rabo denied Liberia of a second victory from an international friendly.

Deputy coach Kelvin Sebwe and his technical staff made eight changes to the team that started against Angola, in another drawn match on August 10, but his lads failed to produce the goals Liberians saw against Gambia on July 24 at the SKD.

In a game of few scoring chances, Liberians will pray that the hoodoo from Angola and Niger doesn’t follow their team, who travel to Harare to take on Zimbabwe on September 4, in search of the three points to keep their faint 2012 African Cup of Nations qualification alive.

The result will also call into question President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s presence during international matches, with some fans believing that the chief patron of sports may have ‘permanently locked the pitch of goals’. Both coaches were seemingly pleased with the performances of their respective teams.

But the Nigeriens will certainly return to Niamey feeling proud, having been eliminated from the 2011 edition of the West African Football Union (Wafu) Nations Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Liberia in Abeokuta, Nigeria on May 9.

Liberia: 16-Saylee Swen, 6-Trokon Zeon, 7-Morris Kaba (17-Alpha James, 56’), 5-Myers Garlo, 3-Teah Dennis, 4-Solomon Wesseh (12-Martin Karndu, 83'), 10-Leon Power Quamie (20-Gideon Williams, 56’), 2-Marcus Macaulay, 11-James Soto-Roberts, 18-Samuel Thompson (14-Hallie Jimmy, 80’) and 22-Francis Doe (captain).

Substitutes not used: 1-Gellay James, 21-Alexander Dargba and 19-Momo
Blamo, Jr.; Coach Kelvin Sebwe (Liberian)

Niger: 16-Saminou Rabo, 6-Idrissa Laouali (captain), 17-Surajul Mohammed, 9-Kamilu Daouda, 15-Djibril Moussa, 18-Kofi Dankwa, 7-Issiakou Koudize, 14-Hamissou Mallam, 11-Issoufou Alassan, 13-Chicoto Mohammed and 2-Moustapha A. Garba.

Substitutes not used: 30-Losseyni Doumbia, 8-Ibrahina M. Tinni, 3-Yataga Sahadou and 5-Ibrahim Adamou; head coach Harouna Doula (Nigerien).
Match officials: Emmanuel Newon (center referee), Sylvester Johnson (assistant referee #1), Exodus Flanjay (assistant referee #2); Ebenezer Konah (reserve referee) and Nyanqueh Borsay (match commissioner).