By By: Staff Writer
SKD, Paynesville, The dust is yet to settle after Liberia’s hard-fought 1-0 loss to Tunisia in Paynesville, but the real battle may now be shifting off the pitch — straight to FIFA’s door. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has officially sounded the alarm, accusing the referee of critical errors that “sabotaged” Lone Star’s chances of qualifying and calling for a replay of the match.
“We played well but got defeated by an early minute goal, but we will regroup,” Coach Thomas Kojo told reporters. Yet, behind the coach’s calm resolve, the Ministry’s statement carried a different tone — anger and a demand for accountability.
According to the Ministry, video reviews confirmed that the central referee, Clement Franklin Kpan, denied Liberia two clear penalties — moments that could have rewritten the script of the night. “Such critical errors undermined the principles of fairness and integrity in the sport. This is not just a loss; it’s a robbery in broad daylight,” the Ministry’s statement declared.
On the pitch, it was a tale of a brave but unlucky young Lone Star side. After an early defensive blunder from Edward Ledlum gifted Tunisia their lone goal — tucked away by Hazem Mastouri — Liberia took charge. The team’s intensity surged, controlling possession and piling pressure on the Tunisians, but finishing proved to be their Achilles’ heel.
Debutants Salomon Tweh and Bryant Jimmy Farlarlun turned heads with sterling performances. Farlarlun, in particular, had the crowd on their feet with his daring runs and came painfully close to equalizing. In one of the game’s most controversial moments, Farlarlun was hauled down inside the box, but the referee waved play on, enraging fans and players alike.
Liberia threw everything forward in the second half. Skipper Oscar Murphy Dorley and Ledlum missed chances that could’ve changed the night. Tactical changes brought on local stars Jagbe Konneh and Nicholas Andrews, whose chemistry sparked fresh life into the attack, but luck remained Tunisia’s twelfth man.
Goalkeeper Tommy Songo was equally heroic, pulling off sharp saves to keep Liberia’s hopes alive. Still, the narrow defeat leaves Liberia third in the group with seven points. The path to qualification remains open but harder.
Now, all eyes turn to FIFA. Liberia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports has officially tasked the Liberia Football Association to file a complaint, calling for a probe and a possible replay to ensure “the integrity of the game is upheld.”
Liberia faces Sao Tome next, where fans believe redemption — and justice — awaits. But the big question remains: will FIFA listen?
