Thousands of Liberian soccer fans with jam-packed video centres and cinemas prepared for the Sunday's crucial World Cup qualifier between Ghana and Nigeria, returned home disappointed after a Nigerian victory eliminating their own team.
A draw or win for Ghana's Black Stars would have qualified Liberia for the tournament and enthusiastic Liberian fans started queueing early to watch the match on the big screen.
Following their flagbearers' dismal performance against the Ghanaians in Monrovia on July 1, Liberia's foremost professional George Weah had called on all Liberians to fast and pray for three days for God's intervention.
While many Liberians grieved over Nigeria's victory, leading them through to the World Cup finals, several others blamed Weah and his squad for Nigeria's qualification at the expense of their own 'Lone Stars'.
"The Lone Stars did not take seriously the game with Ghana in Monrovia. Had they not embarked on merry-making during the preparatory stages of the return match with Ghana (a reference to the wedding close to the match of skipper Joe Nagbe), Lone Stars would have qualified after beating Sierra Leone," remarked Liberian sports writer John Taweh.
