The Liberians are landing

Published Dec 11, 2000

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The 1995 European, World and African Footballer of the Year arrives with a second group of Liberians today for Saturday's African Nations Cup qualifier against South Africa at the FNB Stadium.

Pierre Issa's team-mate at Olympique Marseille, George Oppong Weah, certainly the world's most recognised Liberian, arrives at around 11am from France, with Musa Shannon expected from Portugal at around the same time.

Although the Liberians have given the South Africans a list of 47 members in their travelling party, which is led by the country's Minister of Youth and Sport, Francois Massaquoi and LFA president Edwin Snowe, the spotlight will be focussed on Weah.

Seven players based in Greece - Kelvin Sebwe, Zizi Roberts, Oliver Makor, Joe Nagbe, George Gebro, James Debbah and Varma Kpoto - were the first to land in the country on Monday night.

Christopher Wreh, who once terrorised defenders for Arsenal until Thierry Henry took over from him at Highbury, has also been included in a squad which is a mixture of foreign and local-based players.

Although Wreh has been playing in the English lower leagues after failing to command a regular position at Arsenal, he still remains a vital member of the "Lone Stars" and not just because he is a cousin of Weah.

Another well known name in the touring party is Anthony Tokpah, the former Ratanang Maholosiane goalkeeper.

Tokpah was busted by Inspector Fani Molapo for playing under the assumed name, "Aphane" for Manning Rangers and as a result, was deported.

Tokpah now plies his trade in the United States.

He is one of the few players in the squad who know the conditions in South Africa much better after spending his early days in the Free State and later in Durban.

Liberia were among 15 countries that participated in the 1996 African Nations Cup tournament in South Africa, and were the first to be sent back home following one loss and one victory in a group depleted by the withdrawal of the then defending champions Nigeria.

They failed to qualify for the next two competitions but now look a team to beat as they top the group on goal difference after thrashing Mauritius 4-0, while South Africa managed a hard fought 2-1 victory over Congo in Pointe Noire.

The Congolese bounced back into contention when they also earned a well deserved, hard earned 2-1 victory over Mauritius in Curepipe in October to stay in touch with Liberia and Bafana Bafana.

Liberian Squad

- George Weah, Edward Dixon, Prince Daye, Kelvin Sebwe, Zizi Roberts, Oliver Makor, Joe Nagbe, George Gebro, James Debbah, Musa Shannon, Christopher Wreh, Anthony Tokpah, Louis Crayton, Isaac Tondo, Jenkins Cooper, Robert Tieh, George Miller, Fallah Johnson, Varma Kpoto, Morris Brown, Winston Daniels.

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