FIFA 2022 WCQ: Liberia 1-0 CAR

Kpah Sherman scored a late goal Monday to earn Liberia their first win in the CAF second round 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Central African Republic (CAR) at the Japoma Stadium in Cameroon. 

Both Liberia and CAR appeared to have settled for a draw, missing a couple of chances available to either side during the match.

CAR’s Delphin Mokonou attempted breaking the deadlock in the 5th minute with a firing shot on target, but goalkeeper Ashley Williams was in the best position to deny the 21-year-old’s strike.

Displaying better performance than their output against Nigeria, Coach Butler made three changes in his starting lineup, introducing Abu Kamara, Justin Salmon, and David Tweh. Ayouba Kosiah made his second consecutive start after making his debut against Nigeria and had an opportunity to break the deadlock at the close of halftime, but Prince Samolah made a good save to deny the forward from finding the back of the net.

Coach Peter Butler made four substitutions in the second half with the introduction of Van Dave Harmon, Jeremy Segbe, Terrence Tisdell, and Peter Wilson. The changes had a positive impact on the team's attacking force, causing a freekick in a dangerous position that later resulted in the goal after the CAR defense tried to clear their lines.

"Hard Work, Determination, Always Pays Off"

Meanwhile, President George Weah has congratulated the national football team, the Lone Star, on their 1-0 victory over the Central African Republic in a World Cup Qualifier match.

The President said the victory was hard-earned and a demonstration of hard work and dedication on the part of the players and the technical staff. President Weah said the game shows that the team can persevere through the ongoing qualification, noting that even though Lone Star lost to Nigeria, there was great improvement in the tactics and technical skills exhibited by the players.

The President lamented what he described as "two soft goals" the team conceded against Nigeria despite their superior performance. He called on the players to use the victory to recommit themselves and be more determined, as progress in the world cup games can do wonders for their individual careers.

“The Liberian leader also reaffirmed that the government, through the Liberian Football Association, will continue to support the team and ensure that they remain the pride of the nation. The President has highlighted the importance of sports as a unifying force and called on all Liberians to rally around the Lone Star.”

Sherman 

Sherman’s lone goal marks his second competitive international goal for the Lone Star since recording his first on October 15, 2019, against CHAD in the 2021 AFCON qualifiers at the SKD Sports Stadium.

The 29-year-old can now breathe a little sigh of relief after coming under criticism for not replicating his goal-scoring form at his club level to the national team. Sherman has so far recorded 13 goals from 17 appearances for his club Kedah Darul Aman F.C in the Malaysian Super League.  

The win moved Liberia second in Group C with three points, level on points with leaders Nigeria, who will take Cape Verde today in Praia, Cape Verde. Up next for the Lone Star is a back-to-back tie against Cape Verde during the next qualifiers window from October 6-10, 2021.