WAFU Championship: Liberty advance

Accra, Aug. 9, GNA - Liberty Professionals advanced to the first round of the WAFU Club Championship with a 2-0 win over Sunshine Stars of Ondo State, Nigeria in their second leg clash of the first round on Sunday at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra.

A goal in each half from Richard Kissi and Kamal Issah ensured that Liberty advanced on a 5-3 aggregate after a 3-3 draw in the first leg in Nigeria two weeks ago.


The encounter, which was largely watched by a sparse crowd had Liberty Professionals dominant from the onset whilst Sunshine Stars struggled in search of their rhythm.


Liberty who could have advanced with a barren draw, took the game to Sunshine Stars, but appeared visionless in front of goal as they seemed to lack ideas upfront to break the deadlock.

Defender Kissi made the first attempt at breaking the deadlock on 17 minutes but his power-laden shot missed target narrowly. Four minutes past the half hour mark, Kissi was however on target to shoot Liberty into the lead with a kick from a goalmouth action. Sunshine Stars resumed the second half more purposeful but their hopes of drawing level were dashed when Yau Abubakar was given the marching off orders for elbowing Liberty defender Bawa Mumuni during an aerial challenge.


The send-off of Abubakar, their best performer curtailed their hopes of an equalizer as they lacked the cutting edge upfront. Bawa couldn't continue and had to be replaced by David Kabu with Liberty dictating the pace of the game but unable to add any more goals. With three minutes to end proceedings, Kamal managed to put the icing on the cake by finishing off from Latif Salifu's cross with a shot from close range that the visitors goalie had not answer to.


Meanwhile, Liberty will face Sahel FC of Niger at the next stage. Liberty will host the first leg on the weekend of August 21 to August 23 with second leg fixed for Niamey between September 11 and September 13.