Liberians arrive with George Weah in tow

By Pius Arinawe

LIBERIA'S national football team, the Lone Stars, touched down on Ugandan soil this afternoon ahead of Saturday’s 2014 World Cup Qualifier against the Cranes at Namboole.

Liberia’s delegation was led by former World and European Player of the Year, George Weah.

Weah, arguably African football’s greatest icon, enjoyed successful spells in Europe with Monaco, Paris St-Germain, AC Milan, Chelsea and Marseille among others.

Anthony Laffor the Liberian captain who faces a race against time to be fit for Saturday's game looked relaxed. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo.

The three-time African Footballer of the Year won major honours including Serie A twice, Ligue 1 and the FA Cup.

“I expect a tough game I can’t underestimate Uganda but we are here for a good result.” Weah said shortly on arrival at the hotel.

One of players was spotted reading a copy of The New Vision. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

Weah ventured into politics and contested for Liberia’s presidency in 2005 but lost to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and now serves as the West African nation’s Peace Ambassador. 

Liberia currently lies second in Group J, one point behind leaders Senegal, in the race to make it to Brazil in 2014.

Coach Frank Nagbe whose side will be looking for maximum points thinks Liberia has the upper hand. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

Injured skipper Anthony Laffor who is a major doubt for Saturday’s game has travelled with the team.

 The 33 man contingent is putting up at Mount Zion Hotel on Nakivubo Road rather than Hotel Sojovalo as earlier communicated by FUFA.

Liberia’s preparations have involved beating Iraq 1-0 in a friendly match at al-Shaab Stadium in Baghdad under the tutelage of coach Jericho Nagbe and his deputies Thomas Kolo and Joe Nagbe.

Liberian players at the Mount Zion Hotel lobby upon arrival. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

23 locally-based stars have been in camp with guest players Herron Berran from Cyprus, Alex Karmo of Vienna, BK Baward from India and Dweh Allison of Brazil.

A win in Uganda will boost the national team’s chances of cruising through to the final stage of the qualifiers.

The team will be without defenders Teah Dennis, who went missing in America and Solomon Grimes who is battling injury.