MONROVIA, LIBERIA — As Liberia gears up for a vital African Cup of Nations qualifying match against Mali at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex tomorrow, former Lone Star midfield maestro Kelvin Sewgbe has drawn inspiration from one of Liberia’s most unforgettable football moments to remind the current generation of players and fans that an early loss doesn’t have to signal the end of their journey.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Sewgbe encouraged the Lone Star players and their supporters not to let the disappointment of their opening defeat to Rwanda weigh them down.
He reflected on the year 2000, a time when Liberia seemed to be facing a football crisis after a string of losses, yet managed to achieve one of the most celebrated victories in the nation’s football history. His message was clear: Lone Star can still bounce back.
Sewgbe recounted how Liberia began its 2000 World Cup qualifying campaign with a loss to Sudan, followed by another defeat against Cape Verde in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers. This challenging situation made it tough to prepare for the next match, which was against Nigeria.
The Super Eagles came to Monrovia with a lineup full of stars, including Sunday Oliseh, Jay-Jay Okocha, Kanu, and Samson Siasia—players whose mere presence was enough to instill fear in Liberian football fans.
Sewgbe noted that the atmosphere surrounding the Lone Star was so grim that newspapers and radio shows mocked the team, claiming Liberia wouldn’t even manage a draw against Nigeria. Even the stadium atmosphere reflected this pessimism, as Sewgbe recalled arriving to find large sections of the stands empty.
The reason he provided was quite revealing. Many fans had reportedly shown up not to cheer for Liberia, but to catch a glimpse of Nigeria’s renowned stars and witness what they anticipated would be a rout of the Lone Star.
Howbeit, everything shifted dramatically. Liberia entered the match with focus, determination, and intensity — and Christopher Wreh scored twice in the early minutes. The goals took Nigeria by surprise, and the initial shock altered the mood in the stadium.
Sewgbe remembered that a “free gate” was later announced, prompting supporters to flood into the stadium as hope began to replace despair.
By the end of the match, Liberia had triumphed over Nigeria 2-1, reigniting its hopes for qualification. The streets of Monrovia burst into celebration, and faith in the national team was restored.
For Sewgbe, that memorable night carries a lesson for today’s Lone Star. He believes Liberia’s loss to Rwanda should not be seen as the end.
“Do not lose despair,” Sewgbe urged, emphasizing that Liberia can still “fight tooth and nail” for a positive outcome against Mali.
He recognized the strength of the Malian team, describing the Eagles as possessing considerable tactical, technical, physical, and mental attributes.
Yet, Sewgbe contended that football isn’t determined solely by reputation or individual talent, indicating that sometimes, it boils down to who desires victory more. That’s where he feels Liberia must leverage its advantage.
With the Lone Star needing a strong response at home, Sewgbe has placed part of the onus on the supporters, urging Liberians and football enthusiasts to fill the SKD Sports Complex and act as the team’s “12th player” from the first whistle to the last minute.
His call comes at a crucial time for a Liberian team striving to bounce back from its opening defeat and keep its qualification hopes alive.
For Sewgbe, the memories of 2000 go beyond mere nostalgia. They serve as a powerful reminder that football can change dramatically when a team refuses to give up before the match even starts.
Twenty-six years ago, Liberia faced a highly decorated Nigerian team amidst a cloud of pessimism. Against all odds, they secured a victory that reignited hope.
Now, with Mali standing in the way of Liberia’s much-needed resurgence, Sewgbe is urging the current Lone Star generation to create another memorable chapter.
His closing words were both a challenge and a call to action: “Lone Star must rise again, and the time is now.” And just like countless Liberian footballers and fans have done before him, he declared: “Lone Star O yeah!”
