Liberia’s dream of a maiden FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup appearance came to a crushing end on Saturday as the young Lone Star girls suffered a 2-0 defeat to Ghana at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
The result sealed an 8-0 aggregate loss after last week’s 6-0 first-leg drubbing in Accra, sending the Black Maidens through to the next round of qualifying.The tie was effectively put to bed in Ghana, where Liberia were outclassed and left chasing shadows. Many home fans felt the damage had already been done in the away fixture, a mountain too steep to climb on home soil.
Knowing they needed a miracle, Liberia set up to frustrate Ghana with a deep defensive block and compact shape from the first whistle. But the plan took an early hit when Ghana’s Seidau Wahab struck from a set-piece, punishing Liberia at the near post as goalkeeper Patience Taye was beaten from close range.
To their credit, the hosts showed grit and composure after the early setback, keeping their defensive line disciplined and limiting Ghana to half-chances. The back four held firm, and the first 45 minutes ended 1-0, mirroring the scoreline at the break in the first leg.
The second half told a different story. Ghana came out of the dressing room hungry to kill off the tie. Wave after wave of attack pinned Liberia deep in their own half, with the Black Maidens asking tough questions of the home side’s resolve. The pressure finally told from Juliana Gyekyewaa in the 51’ minute when another set-piece from the byline was drilled home to double Ghana’s lead on the night and make it 8-0 on aggregate.
From there, the contest was as good as over. Liberia tried to play on the counter but found little joy in the final third. The final whistle confirmed their exit from the qualifiers, but the scoreline could have been far heavier were it not for 15-year-old goalkeeper Patience Taye. Taye was Liberia’s standout performer across both legs, pulling off a string of full-stretch saves and commanding her area with maturity beyond her years.
At the SKD, she denied Ghana on multiple one-on-one situations and commanded her box under relentless aerial bombardment. Without her heroics, the Black Maidens could have run up a cricket score.Her display between the sticks did not go unnoticed.
Newly elected LFA Executive Committee member Evis Sirleaf was full of praise for the teenage shot-stopper in the mixed zone after the match. “Taye has a great future for Liberia women’s football,” Sirleaf said. “She showed character, reflexes, and leadership today.
We must invest in talents like her. If she gets the right attention, coaching, and support, she has the potential to make history.”For Liberia, it’s back to the drawing board. The young Lone Star girls exit at the first hurdle, but in Patience Taye, they may have unearthed a future number one. Ghana march on, while Liberia will look to rebuild and come back stronger in the next cycle.
Speaking to reporters following the female Lonester exist, Liberia U17 female team head coach Degeorges Manubah said he was proud of his team performance in the second leg of the competition despite the 2-0 defeat.Manubah said his game plan to prevent Ghana from scoring more goals like it was done in the first leg was well executed by his team.
Full-time: Liberia 0-2 Ghana | Aggregate: Liberia 0-8 Ghana
