By Ledgerhood Rennie BBC Sport, Monrovia

Sports Minister Wheatonia Dixon-Barnes is rallying Liberians

The entire Liberian nation is being urged to get behind the Lone Star for Sunday's 2006 World Cup qualifier against Senegal in Monrovia.

Liberia are desperate for a win over the Teranga Lions to keep in touch with the teams at the top of Group One.

The Lone Star currenlty lie fifth in the group with four points, while Senegal are second with seven points and both sides have played 4 matches so far.

The winner of each group qualifies for the 2006 World Cup in Germany while a place in the top three guarantees a place at the African Cup of Nations in Egypt the same year.

Liberia's Sports Minister Wheatonia Dixon-Barnes is not leaving anything to chance in their bid to stay in contention.

"We have launched an operation code-named 'Liberia Swallow Senegal' and are calling on all Liberians to turn out en masse in red, white and blue to support the Lone Star to victory" she told BBC Sport in Monrovia.

"We must win and end the first round of games with seven points which will leave the group wide open and enhance our chances for qualification."

"The boys are in high spirits and the mobilization team is out in the street building the momentum."

T-shirts are being printed bearing the inscription "Operation Swallow Senegal" and are being sold on the streets of Monrovia.

Liberia's squad included 14 overseas based players but they will have to do without two defenders; the Indonesia-based Joseph Amoah, who has not arrived and the injured George Gebro, who plays in Greece.