Liberia failed to secure a place in the African Cup of Nations qualifying group stage Sunday after losing 5-4 on penalties at the hands of Chad in D’Njemena after the full 90 minutes ended 1-0.
Lone Star’s captain Sam Johnson was sent-off in the 53rd minute for two double offenses, leaving the defense vulnerable as Chadian forward Ezechiel N’Douassel scored to the home side’s lone goal.
Substitute Eugene Swen and forward Kpah Sherman who were the hero in Monrovia on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 missed their respective spot kicks.
Side attraction
The build-up to Lone Star match against Chad was marred by some off-field distractions – with some of the older players pulling out of the squad.
Former captain Anthony Laffor also announced that he was bidding farewell to the team via his Facebook post before Francis Grandpa Doe increased the complexities of the atmosphere in the Lone Star amongst Liberians with a post of his own.
Despite the distractions, Coach Butler’s men started the match in brilliant fashion, breaking the resilience of the host and exposing the Chadians on the counter attack.
As the home side’s momentum grew after the supporters threw the height behind the team, opportunities presented itself as Lone Star held on. N’ Douassel tested Ashley Williams goal in the 20th minute with Liberia’ save hands doing his best to parry the ball away.
With 30 minutes on the clock, Lone Star had a penalty appeal after Johnson was brought down in the penalty box but the referee waved play on as they ended the first half on stalemate.
After the recess, the Chadians returned with a vengeance, looking to revenge the loss on Monrovia an in the 48th minute, they almost got on the scoresheet as Brahim Ngaroudal effort was blocked.
Reduced to ten men, Liberia had Captain Johnson sent-off for his second yellow card of the afternoon and Chad wasted no time in taking the crucial lead through N’Douassel whose effort took the match to extra time after a brilliant pass from Bhakit Bhakit.
Chad proved to be the better side during the spot kicks, progressing 5-4 on Penalties, joining Mali Guinea, and Namibia in Group A.
The latest defeat of the senior national team seems to be a big blow for new coach Peter Butler who has gained admiration for many Liberians in recent time.
