Black Meteors Thrash Liberia 5-0

Liberia U-23 team yesterday lose 5-0 to an experience Black Meteors of Ghana at the Len Clay Stadium in the Ashanti Region. The match was a rescheduled 2004 Olympic qualifier and the Liberians were playing at home. The defeat is the fifth time a Liberian team have lose so heavily to their Ghanaian opponents. The Ghanaians scored three times in the first half and showed great skills throughout the game. Derrick Boateng, formerly of Greek team Panathinakos, grabbed the opener in the fourth minute from a piledriver that slipped between the legs of Goerge Pratt of Liberia. Hearts of Oak dashing winger Bernard Don Bortey made it two in a dubious fashion, while Egytian-based Sam Kyere added the third. Liberian should have conceded a basket of goals, but George Pratt was on top of the Ghanaians as he pulled several great great saves. The Liberian team comprising mainly refugees, had the first chance in the game, but Buston Browne shot wide with only George Owu of Ghana to contend with. James Lomell shot twice from long range, but his efforts didn't threaten the Kokoto ace goalie. In the second half, the Liberians showed a rejuvenated team, forcing the Ghanaians to several uncharacteristic defensive errors, but failed to get the goal. Sylvester Treah who has replaced Robert Davis in the first half had his header cleared off the lines midway into the second half. Tubman Johnson, arguably the best player of the afternoon , also had his low angle drive ricochted on the near post. Mara Kicmett late consolation was disallowed by the assistant referee, though the replay showed a clear goal. The Ghanaians completed the drubbing late into the half with two identical headers from the same flank. Their long volleys and classical set piece from the wings emphasized their maturity, as the refugees were only chasing their shadows. Asamoah Kwabena flighted the third while Sam Kyere diving header drew the curtains in an admiration way to apiece Coach Burkhard Ziese.
The return leg comes on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.