Lone Star Players Rating Against Niger
 

By Wleh Bedell

The Lone Star of Liberia goalless draw against the visiting Mena of Niger can be described generally as defense against attack as the Lone Star that featured a predominantly local based players which was stiffened by Egyptian side Al- Ahly fringe member Francis Forkay Doe.

They attacked in droves, looked adventurous in most part of the fray and created several chances, but the lack of cutting edge in the final third robbed the side that had ex-internationals Kelvin Sebwe, Thomas Kojo, Joe Nagbe and Janjay Jacobs in the dugout, as the unaccomplished Italian tactician Roberto Landi unsurprisingly flew back to his native land after the match with a dip in form Angola as far as their current form and the monthly FIFA ranking is concerned where they are 27 in

Africa (just five places above Liberia contrary to news report before the match on August 10, that they were amongst the top ten teams in Africa) and share the 100th spot in the world with little Gambia, and are as well struggling in their African Nations Cup group where the Cranes of Uganda only need a point off them to cruise to the Gabon, Equatorial Guinea fiesta.

Niger who are above Angola (26 in Africa and 98 in the world) ran away with a draw due to heroic goalkeeping from their 25 year old third choice goalie Saminou Rabo of local side Sahel Sporting Club. The eccentric goalkeeper who had stints with Cameroonian club Cotton Sport Garoua and FUS of Morocco made several top- notched saves to keep his side in the contest.

Also, their 27 year old defender cum Captain Idrissa Laouali and the no nonsense 21 year old Ghanaian born stopper Kofi Dankwa of local side ASFA Yennenga and Tunisian club ES Zarzis respectively played key roles in ensuring the Mena as they are nicknamed, went home with something they and their Coach Harouna Doula Gabade can cheer about.

Firstly, the statistics below will give one a clear picture of how the game was like, dubbed “defense vs. attack”

                                Liberia-----------------------Niger
Shots on Goal------------15--------------------------3
Free Kicks----------------7---------------------------5
Crosses (Left) ------------8--------------------------4
Crosses (Right) -----------7--------------------------1
Corners--------------------7--------------------------2
Thru Balls----------------17--------------------------5
Throw-ins----------------39------------------------24
Off sides-------------------2--------------------------5
Yellow Cards--------------1---------------------------2

PLAYERS RATING (Based on Points and not Percent as is erroneously perceived by many)

Saylee Swen- The towering LPRC Oilers shot stopper virtually had very little to do as far as making saves is concerned. Early in the second half though, he was squeezed to the near post from close range, a shot he managed to parry for a corner. He also tried to start the play from the back as he connected his fullbacks due to the opponents' partial zonal marking style.Rating: 6/10

Trokon Zeon- Like the Angola contest the Invincible Eleven (IE) full back was very aggressive but erratic especially during the first stanza. The lad did not venture forward frequently, but managed to keep a rein on his marker in terms of the latter creating attacking options for his side.Rating: 6/10

Morris Kaba- Not much was seen from the Nimba FC all-rounder as he rarely ventured forward and lacked ball stability in key positions. His decisions were a bit questionable, but were mainly good in supplying diagonal balls to his rampaging teammates.Rating: 5/10

Myers Garlo-The Barrack Young Controllers (BYC) defense linchpin proved a strong tower in central defense especially in the first half. One major undoing however was his inability to give cleverly measured passes when providing the long balls as the team switched from defense to attack.Rating: 6/10

Teah Dennis- His vintage display at the senior level continues as he showed flashes of brilliance especially in the first half where the opponents tried to create some anxious moments. The Barrack Young Controllers newly signed defender showed confidence as he made some drives with the ball in field before making a telling pass to a playmate.
Rating: 7/10

Solomon Wesseh- It was quite a surprise to see the LPRC Oilers versatile defender operate as a balanced midfielder with three natural holding midfielders in the form of Martin Karndu, Momo Blamo, Jr. and Alexander Dargbeh all on the bench.
The former youth international lacked a bit of creativity as he could not really initiate his side attack or greatly be involved in link up play.Rating: 5/10

Marcus Macauley- It was because of the Breweries playmaker that the game had penetration or defense splitting passes. Not the pacey of players though, the neat passer nonetheless brought creativity in the middle of the park as he made passes at will and was an explosive proponent for the red, white and blue.Rating: 8/10

Leon Power Quamie- The adapted son of one of Musa Bility's strongest allies, Andy Quamie, was surplus to requirements. He was impact-less, sterile and lacked attraction on the flanks. Featuring for 56 minutes, the Watanga FC diminutive winger who is no doubt amongst the best local players in the country was just not on top of his game on the day. Rating 4/10

James Soto Roberts- He created a series of chances, made several runs and showed commitment in the melee. The LPRC Oilers wide man was a constant threat down the channel and was a great service to his team.Rating: 8/10

Francis Doe- Wearing the Captain arm band, the Christmas day born striker did everything almost perfect. Probing runs, great improvisation, sublime skills, and persistent search for goal were attributes that distinguished him from the rest of the 21 players on the park. The player was even denied a penalty after being upended by the goalkeeper.Rating: 9/10

Samuel Thompson- Playing as strike partner to Doe, the little Barrack Young Controllers winger cum striker could not find his rhythm in a rugged defense of Niger. He could not just click and was not at his imperious best...Rating: 5/10

Gideon Williams- Coming on as a substitute for an uninspiring Quamie, the Watanga FC youngster could not ignite the game. Playing wide, the lad did not put up a virtuoso performance, but managed to scare the opponents via a well orchestrated fee kick which the goalkeeper disposition for a corner and then fell to the ground...Rating: 5/10

Harrison Jimmy-The Mighty Barrolle striker who replaced Samuel Thompson could not get a foot hole into the match as a resolute Nigerien defense kept him quiet. He tried to create something special, but to no avail.Rating: 4/10

Alpha James-Coming on for Kaba, the BYC dependable rearguard added some spice to the left side of attack as he was on the front foot from the back in a fantastic fashion. He showed great technique, finesses and speed which proved a handful to the opponents. It was quite amazing that a right footed central defender could effectively operate at left full back in grand style.Rating: 6/10

Martin Kendu- He surprisingly came on seven minutes to the end, and encouraged the team to attack with verve and more purpose. He had a major attempt on goal as well and should have even formed part of the starting lineup.Rating: 6/10