Liberian Effort Saves Cameroonian Club
-In CAF Cup Semis

Liberia’s striker Francis Doe

By Bruce Wiah – Liberiansoccer Beat Reporter
October 7, 2002

Liberia’s striker Francis Doe lifted the chances of Tonnerre KC in
the first leg of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) cup semi final on Sunday.

The 23rd minute cracker of the Tonnerre KC goal rustler puts them
three points clear of their Ivorian counterpart, Satellite FC, as they anticipate a tougher return leg in Abidjan in two weeks time.

Playing under a rather unfavorable weather characterized by a mud-drenched pitch as a result of a torrential downpour, the Cameroonians nearly came alive after four minutes. Breaking the
Satellite FC iron grip, Francis Doe’s diverting strike narrowly missed home on account of the woodwork. And as the homesters kept mounting the pressure from their twin attack of Agbo Hans and Francis Doe, it was clear that the Ivorians were in danger.

In the 22nd minute, Francis Doe, playing a yeoman’s role double-shuffled, feinted and raced past two limping Ivorian defenders before unleashing a bomber shot that was parried by goalkeeper Dimy Stephane of Satellite FC to give Tonnerre KC its lone goal and the maximum three points.

Speaking to Liberiansoccer.com following the match, a boyish looking Francis Doe confessed that although the match was very much challenging, he was however thankful to his teammates for maintaining a winning form.

“With news that the Ivorians are bumpy players, I thought they would have eaten me up when the match got underway. But after the first three minutes, I knew that I could score and I worked hard towards that”, Francis Doe told our reporter.

Meanwhile, the 17 year-old striker has made a CAF Cup trophy pledge and begged fans of Tonnerre KC and Cameroonians in general to give their support. “Now that we have reached this far it is only left with our determination to lift the Cup, and I am promising my best in the
second leg in Abidjan”, Doe averred.

The victory notwithstanding, the Head Coach of Tonnerre KC, Richard Obatteba, said the poor quality of the pitch robbed his side of several scoring chances.