The Group J clash comes after Liberia lost 3-1 away in Senegal, having led with a second minute goal by Francis Forley Doe, and Angola gave up a late equalizer in their home match against Uganda after leading from as early as the eighth minute.
Already new Liberia coach Kaetu Smith is being ridiculed after describing his side’s style of play in Dakar last Saturday as “Positive football” though they (Lonestar) were thoroughly outplayed, especially in the second half.
Group ‘J’ other members, Senegal and Uganda will face each other in Kampala.
Angola Here for Must Win
Angola, with nickname Palancas Negras (Sable Antelopes) have said to increased sense of urgency over who will take charge of their side as caretaker Romeu Filemon saw his team drop two potentially vital points against the Ugandans.
Palancas Negras striker Djalma Campos, who scored the goal last Sunday against Uganda, said the squad was feeling the pressure of delivering a result. “Our coach is asking for dedication, maximum effort for this important trip to Liberia,” he told reporters.
Filemon said it was important to get points from Liberia to make up for the disappointment of the draw against the Cranes.
Reports said “an unknown huge sum” has been put on the table for the boys to pull a win.
Lonestar Regrets Lost, Vows Win
Meanwhile, National team deputy coach Kelvin Sebwe has revealed that for the first time he saw the Lone Star’s dressing Room showed great signs of remorse following Liberia’s 3-1 lost to Senegal in Dakar in the first leg of the Brazil 2014 World Cup Qualifiers.
Sebwe said as the team was going into the dressing room he saw Francis Granpa Doe grieving for missing what would have being his second goal and same was in the case of Zah Kranga who missed what would have being the turning point in putting the match to bed at level 2-2.
The former Liberian international who caped 67 with the national team and retired in 2008 said this brought some sense of belief to him that the players truly played to turned the country image around away from home.
He said though Solomon grimes hostile after being sent off but also joined his colleagues to grieve because according to him his action created more problems for the country he had gone to defend and raise its profile in the soccer community.
Kelvin supported his boss saying systems put in place worked and did not reflect the result of the match.
Coach Sebwe indicated that they are optimistic of appeasing their Liberian fans with a victory.
Kelvin who rated the Senegal clash as the best lone star performance in recent years pointed out that a win is a must against Angola if the players remain committed and improve on converting chances.
Head Coach Kaetu Smith, told journalists, in an assumption remarks that though the team was trampled, but they played positively.
He assured Liberians of building the potential of the team to unleash the magical wand.
Coach Smith divulged that the main reason for Liberia’s lost was the players’ failure to maintain the momentum of being speedy both off and on the ball, during intervals or substitutions.
The Liberian coach insist of using the same pattern 4-4-2, and the players, for Angola’s game this Sunday at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS), but vowed to work on their speed, strength and tactics to make them formidable.
Tickets on Sale
The Director of Communications of the LFA, Henry Flomo, has disclosed that tickets are now on sale in several communities in Monrovia and environs: LFA offices on Benson St., Sports Commission on Broad St., ELWA Junction, Red Light, Daula and the ATS.
