International roundup: How MLS players fared in World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action

While MLS teams who made it to the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs prepare for the postseason, a number of players are on international duty with their countries. On Friday, MLSers took the field in World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as well as friendly internationals.

Here's how they got on.

Nigeria 4, Sierra Leone 4

On his return to the Sierra Leone team, Minnesota United striker Kei Kamara played his part from the start in a remarkable comeback against African giants Nigeria in qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Sierra Leone were 4-0 down inside 29 minutes before coming back to draw 4-4 with three goals in the final 18 minutes. While Kei Kamara didn't get on the scoresheet, another Kamara with MLS connections did. Alhaji Kamara, who scored once in nine appearances for D.C. United between 2016 and 2017, scored twice, including an 86th-minute equalizer.

Costa Rica 1, Qatar 1

There was plenty of MLS interest in Costa Rica's friendly draw with Qatar on Friday. Kendall Waston, who this week had his contract option declined by FC Cincinnati, and the Chicago Fire's Francisco Calvo both started in defense for Los Ticos, while Houston Dynamo forward Ariel Lassiter was also in the lineup. Lassiter was later replaced by Nashville SC's Randall Leal although Giancarlo Gonzalez of the LA Galaxy remained on the bench throughout.

Morocco 4, Central African Republic 1

It was a tough day out for Houston midfielder Wilfried Zahibo, who started and went 63 minutes for the Central African Republic as they were thumped 4-1 in their trip to Morocco, led by two goals from Chelsea standout Hakim Ziyech.

Colombia 0, Uruguay 3

After starting Uruguay's first two games in World Cup qualifying last month, Brian Rodriguez remained on the bench throughout this time, alongside his LAFC teammate and Landon Donovan MLS Golden Boot winner Diego Rossi. Still, the duo did get to see their team record a resounding 3-0 win in the stifling conditions of Barranquilla.

Chile 2, Peru 0

Seattle Sounders striker Raul Ruidiaz led the line for Peru in a 2-0 loss in a World Cup qualifier in Chile. Ruidiaz went 60 minutes before being replaced by Gianluca Lapadula. Edison Flores, who endured an injury-hit first season at D.C. United, also left the match on the hour mark, with Marcos López of the San Jose Earthquakes coming on for him. Portland Timbers' Andy Polo came off the bench for the final 13 minutes, replacing Renato Tapia, while Pedro Gallese was in goal, conceding a pair of Arturo Vidal goals in the opening 35 minutes. 

Felipe Mora earned the start for Chile, with the Timbers forward putting in an 84-minute shift before giving way for Alexis Sanchez. 

Brazil 1, Venezuela 0

Cristian Casseres of the New York Red Bulls and Junior Moreno of D.C. United partnered in midfield and went the distance for Venezuela in a tight 1-0 defeat to powerhouse Brazil in Sao Paulo. LA Galaxy fullback Rolf Feltscher was also in La Vinotinto's starting XI, replaced by Luis Mago after just 18 minutes due to an injury. Former Real Salt Lake attacker Jefferson Savarino, who transferred to Atletico Mineiro in February, came off the bench for the final 11 minutes. Liverpool's Roberto Firmino scored the lone goal in the 67th minute.