Liberia edge Sierra Leone in battle of the Stars

Liberian player Teah Dennis (L) fights for the ball against Congolese player Kivutuka Cabney (C) during the Liberia vs Congo Brazzaville AfCON 2019 qualifier match at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, outside Monrovia, Liberia, 16 October 2018. EPA/AHMED JALLAMZO

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Sep 08, 2019. 20:21

Liberia booked their place in the second round of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying despite a 1-0 loss to Sierra Leone at Siaka Stevens Stadium in Freetown on Sunday.

The hosts had a chance to win the tie in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage-time, but 18-year-old goalkeeper Ashley Williams saved Umaru Bangura’s penalty.

Following a 3-1 win for Liberia in Paynesville earlier this week, there was still a lot to play for in the Sierra Leone capital.

Kamara fired the Leone Stars back in front in the 55th minute; fighting off his man from a hopeful punt forward before guiding the ball past an onrushing Williams.

Chances remained few and far between on a heavy pitch in wet conditions, but Sierra Leone were gifted a chance to win the match on aggregate with the final kick of the game following a foul in the area.

Bangura stepped up to the spot, but Williams guessed the right way to deny the hosts a place in the next round.