By: Perry B. Zordyu
MONROVIA – Liberia’s U-17 women’s national team has suffered a second consecutive defeat in the ongoing WAFU Zone A Girls’ Qualifiers, falling 2-0 to Senegal on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the SKD Practice Pitch in Paynesville.
The loss followed a 3-0 defeat to Sierra Leone in their opening match two days earlier at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
In the match against Senegal, Liberia started brightly, pressing high and creating early chances, but failed to convert.
The first half ended goalless. After the break, Senegal tightened their game, with midfielder Mariama Faty dictating play and setting up striker Fatiha Lo, who scored twice to seal victory for the Lioncelles.
Earlier, against Sierra Leone, defensive lapses allowed the Young Leone Stars to take control before halftime.
Despite brief moments of promise from Liberia’s midfield, the hosts struggled in front of goal, eventually conceding a third to end the match 3-0.
The defeats leave Liberia bottom of the three-nation group, having failed to score in either game:
- Sierra Leone 3–0 Liberia
- Senegal 2–0 Liberia
Senegal, meanwhile, bounced back from their opening 2-1 defeat to Sierra Leone to secure their first three points of the tournament.
Group standings so far:
- Sierra Leone: 2 wins (6 points)
- Senegal: 1 win, 1 loss (3 points)
- Liberia: 2 losses (0 points)
With two defeats in less than a week, Liberia’s hopes of advancing have dimmed.
Analysts and fans alike point to persistent defensive weaknesses, poor finishing, and ineffective player pairings as key issues—not just injuries or limited preparation.
“For Liberian football to grow, the mindset must shift beyond the familiar refrain of ‘We are building a team.’ Stronger structures and decisive development are urgently needed,” one fan remarked.
The Lioncelles will face Sierra Leone in their next match on Tuesday, while Liberia’s young Lone Starlets face an uphill battle to restore pride in their remaining fixtures.
