The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier has come to an end with Liberia being denied a chance of qualifying on the final day of qualification following a narrow defeat away at D.R. Congo.
Lone Star failed to grab a place at the 2019 Nations Cup that will be hosted in Egypt after a 1-0 defeat at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa on Sunday, March 24. A goal from Chinese-based striker, Cedric Bakambu, was enough to deny Coach Thomas Kojo’s men the chance of qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Liberia went into the match in search of a draw or win to qualify while D.R. Congo needed a win to join either Zimbabwe or Congo Brazzaville from Group G. In the day’s other match, Zimbabwe had an early two-goal lead against Zimbabwe and the job for Liberia became easy, with only a draw against D.R. Congo required for qualification.
Lone Star held the Leopards to a goalless draw in the first half and they were 45 minutes away from reaching their first Nations Cup since 2002. However, the hosts came from the break stronger as they mounted pressure on Liberia, breaking the visitors down defensively at the start of the second half.
Bakambu beat Ashley Williams in goal but saw his efforts denied by the crossbar in the 50th minute before finding the back of the net two minutes later. Bakambu beat the Liberian defense and made his way to the box before shooting on goal to beat Ashley Williams, who made no effort to deny the ball from entering the net.
Lone Star failed to register a goal the rest of the game with several wasted chances in attack as they bowed to a narrow defeat away from home. Thomas Kojo’s team finished third in Group G with seven points from six games. They managed two wins and a draw at home while suffering three away defeats.
Featured photo by T. Kla Wesley, Jr.
