WAFU CUP: Liberia Beat Niger, Qualify For S/Final

The Leone Stars of Liberia this evening at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria, defeated the Menas of Niger 2-1 to qualify for the semi –final of the ongoing West Africa Football Union, WAFU Cup.

Following their victory in the encounter, the Liberians join Group A winners and hosts, Nigeria for the semi-final matches but will have to wait for the result of tomorrow’s Group B match between Togo and Ghana before they can know their semi-final opponents.

All three goals of the encounter were scored in the first half, with the Liberians drawing the first blood through Marcus Macauley, who latched onto a through pass from Samson Thompson. Thompson dribbled three defenders, rounded the goalkeeper of Niger before delivering the pass to the goal scorer.

Barely three minutes later, Niger capitalised on a defensive error from the Liberian defenders to get the equaliser.

Apparently aware that a draw would dash their hopes of playing in the knock out stage of the competition, the Nigeriens continued their search for the decider, leaving their rear open.

On the dot of the 17th minute, Thompson who provided the first assist for Liberia scored the winning goal. A Liberian player was hacked and the centre referee awarded a free kick which was quickly taken.

The in-swinger found Thompson, who wasted no time to head home the goal, sending them into the semis.

Sunday Akintoye, Abeokuta