Liberia edged past São Tomé and Príncipe with a 2-1 victory in their latest FIFA World Cup qualifier, keeping their hopes of advancing alive.
The match, played at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, saw the home side deliver a determined performance to claim all three points.
Liberia entered the fixture as favorites, given their superior position in Group H, but São Tomé and Príncipe proved resilient.
Despite being winless in the qualifiers, the visitors showed moments of promise and made the hosts work hard for their victory.
A competitive first half
The match began with Liberia pressing forward in search of an early breakthrough.
Their attacking intent paid off midway through the first half when they opened the scoring with a well-worked goal.
The home fans erupted in celebration as their team took the lead, seemingly setting the tone for a comfortable outing.
However, São Tomé and Príncipe responded with determination.
Just before the half-time whistle, they stunned the Liberian defense with an equalizer.
A swift counterattack caught the hosts off guard, and the visitors capitalized with a well-placed finish, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
Liberia reclaims control
Liberia resumed the second half with renewed urgency, knowing that anything less than a win would dent their qualification aspirations.
Their persistence paid off in the closing stages when they restored their lead.
A moment of individual brilliance resulted in the decisive goal, securing a crucial victory for the Lone Stars.
São Tomé and Príncipe pushed forward in search of another equalizer but struggled to break down Liberia’s defense.
The home side held firm, managing the final moments well to see out the win.
Liberia’s qualification hopes stay alive
With this result, Liberia strengthens its position in Group H, keeping pace with Tunisia and Namibia at the top.
The win also extends São Tomé and Príncipe’s struggles, as they remain without a point in the qualification campaign.
Liberia’s focus will now shift to their next fixture, where they will aim to build on this momentum and continue their push for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
