Liberians Impress in Africa

The continental club competitions for the elite prizes in African football got underway over the weekend with three Liberian starlets showcasing their talents. Towering forward Anthony Snothi Laffor of South African champions Super Sports United and the duo of sublimely gifted left footed striker Melvin Okoro Kicmett as well as intelligent rearguard Omega Roberts Alamadine of Malian league runners-up Cercle Olympique de Bamako (COB) all helped their clubs in starting on a promising note in their quest to reign supreme in the blue ribbon competitions.

 According to reports, the former Jomo Cosmos, Obuasi Gold Fields and LISCR player Laffor helped his team Super Sports invade swaziland as the Matsatsants as SuperSports United are nicknamed trashed the hosts Mbabane Swallows 3-1 at the Somhlolo stadium in a first round clash of the African club championship. Winger Tebogo Langerman broke the deadlock in the early stages of the first half before Thabo Mango found the cushion as the visitors made it 2-0.

 In the second period, Laffor and teammate Siyabonga Nikosi provided the dummy via deceptive runs for substitute Monteiro to make it 3-0. The home side would later find the consolation to end the match 3-1. With this win, Laffor's club now have a foot in the next round as they await the secon leg tie at home which will be played on the weekend of February, 26, 27 and 28.

 Former Union Sportive de Douala of Cameroon and LPRC Oilers asset Kicmett and the ex- Congolese side Dorelies and Gedi & Sons defensive linchpin Alamadine led their club COB to a pulsating goaless draw against hosts Central Parade of Sierra Leone in a first round Confederations Cup pairing at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown. Kicmett according to reports monitored led the front line as he proved a handful for the opponents defense marshaled by Gbaseh Kamara. The pin-sized attacked was said to have had six attempts on goal with one effort causing stir as his strike nestled on the post. Omega Alamadine was also said to be very agile in the defense as he controlled the defensive area to the amazement of many. With such a blank score line, coach Mohamed Lamin will have to put forth new tactics if his Central Parade side are to cruise to the next round when both sides meet in the second leg in Bamako on the weekend of February, 26, 27 and 28.

 In a related development, fellow international Francis Grand pa Doe was not involved in club championship action as his Al Ahly side have taken a bye to the next round. The Egyptian league leaders will be actively involved in the competition after the first round.