FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Qualifiers: Liberia Draw with Guinea

Starting from scratch with a new breed of players, Liberia U17 girls Sunday had a decent performance against their Guinean counterparts in the first-leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers second round at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium.

Liberia came from down twice to force the Guinea U-17 to a two-all draw, courtesy of Hawa Fatomah’s freekick goal and Zeta Kromah’s second half equalizer.

The Guineans took the lead 16 minutes down the clock after Fanta Sidibe made use of a loose ball and eventually sent it to the back of the net in the bottom right corner. Nine minutes later, Liberia leveled the score after Hawa Fatomah’s brilliant right-footed freekick was deflected into the net.

Liberia could have earlier taken the lead through striker Makasian Saryon who couldn't perfectly direct her header on two separate occasions inside the six-yard box. Less than five minutes into the second half, the Guineans reclaimed the lead from the spot after goalkeeper Asata Dolley poorly handled the ball in the box, resulting in a penalty. Fatoumata Samoura converted the penalty for Guinea.

Liberian girls again swiftly replied when Zeta Kromah fired home the equalizer from a close-range effort in the roof of the net. Liberia could have collected all three points in the three minutes added time when Edwardline Jackson stretched in to send the ball to the back of the net but was ruled out for an offside.

Spectators may be quick to judge from the physical appearance of players from both teams, giving the Guineans a clear advantage, but the Liberian girls showed better composure despite their physical structures. One of Liberia’s outstanding players, Jessica Quachie, was absent from the squad due to some administrative lapses that are said to be worked on to ensure that she plays in the return leg.

Liberia will travel to Guinea for the return-leg in two weeks.