MONROVIA, Montserrado – Lone Star faces an uphill task when the team takes on Tunisia’s Eagles of Carthage in Tunis on Sept. 4 in its bid to qualify for the 2017 Gabon African Cup of Nations.

Liberia blew its chance of qualifying following a disappointing 2-2 home draw with Togo in June after an initial lead of 2-0. The team will need a win or at least a draw away at Tunisia to stand a chance of playing in Gabon.

Unlike previous matches that had significant public relations mobilization, there has been none for the game in Tunisia. The president of the Liberia Football Association, Musa Hassan Bility, said there was no need for mobilization for the game as Liberia had a slim chance of qualifying for the Nations Cup.

“This is not one of those games [where] we need to mobilize,” he said. “Let us hope for the best result. In my opinion, we have lost the opportunity of qualifying for the Nations Cup [after our] chances of qualifying against Togo. But we have to be strong. Every time in football, these things – you learn your lesson and move forward. We need to keep strong and focused.”

The LFA boss said Lone Star needs a miracle to get a better result away at Tunisia.

“I told Coach Debbah to give the game his best because a miracle is what this world is about. Every Sunday people go to church seeking a miracle. We are going to Tunisia hoping that a miracle would happen. But, under normal circumstances, it is a very difficult task,” he said.

The LFA boss believes an exit from the qualification will help Liberia start early preparation for upcoming competitions.

He said: “This is the first time in many years that up to last game, we are still a contender. We could start building from here and make sure we have things in place for the next qualification.”

Featured photo T. Kla Wesley Jr.