Lone Star suffers tragedy

The nation’s pride – the Lone Star, is going against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia Saturday, September 4th in Monrovia sadlywithout their top rated goalkeeper, Nathaniel Sherman, who reportedly sustained serious eye injuries Wednesday in camp, which both team and medical sources say risks him losing his right eye.

Sherman mistakenly burst into a hotel lobby glass door and sustained serious cut under his right eye at the Executive Lodge along the Robertsfield Highway outside Monrovia where the national team has been camping for Saturday’s Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers against the Tunisians at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia.

Reports said while he was being taken to the John F. Kennedy Hospital in Sinkor, Monrovia, the ambulance taking him to the hospital was also involved in an accident, but there was no fatality. National team medic, Abu Boakai Kamara, confirmed to this paper that senior goalie Nathaniel Sherman, sustained injuries under his right eye at the Executive Lodge hotel.

Kamara explained Sherman inadvertently hit his right eye on the glass door in the hotel lobby, while rushing in. “The Doctor did not confirm whether the goalkeeper will see with his right eye or not, something he called 50-50 [chance]”, he told The NewDawn Thursday.

Nathaniel Sherman is currently Liberia’s No. 1 locally-based goalkeeper. He’s been between the poles for the national team in several matches, particularly after chief goalie Lewis Crayton, retired from national duty.

He also mans the goal for LFA Club Champions Barrack Young Controller (BYC).

The 24-year-old has been with the Lone Star since June 5, 2011. He featured in eight Nations Cup qualifiers and five World Cup qualifiers plus one international friendly for Liberia. Meanwhile, second choice goalie Sampson Giddings, is reportedly also nursing injuries and may not be fit for Saturday’s game.

And so the national team is left with Saydee Swen, who is expected to take the place of Sherman in tomorrow’s match against Tunisia. Saydee is said to have been out of action for the Lone Star for a very long time.

National head coach James SalinsaDebbah, would have to adapt to the reality and face the Tunisians with every strategy in his book to yield victory Saturday.  Saylee is an experienced goalie, and currently plays for national club, LPRC Oilers.

He made his debut with the Lone Star in late 2003 and subsequently collected more than 10 senior national team caps with the last being a 4-1 defeat against Rwanda.  Meanwhile, the Carthage Eagles reportedly arrived in Monrovia Thursday, in preparation for the scheduled encounter with the Lone Star. According to head coach, Henri Kasperczak, he has mobilized a 23-man squad for tomorrow’s match.

By Sally Gaye& Ethel A. Tweh – Editing by Jonathan Browne