Published: October 13, 2025
MONROVIA — Equatorial Guinea will conclude their controversy-marred 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on Monday afternoon when they host Liberia at the Estadio de Malabo.
The match comes just days after Nzalang Nacional canceled their trip to Malawi for matchday nine, citing what officials described as “unforeseen travel complications.” The cancellation added to a growing list of off-field problems that have overshadowed Equatorial Guinea’s qualifying journey.
Controversy and Sanctions Cloud Equatorial Guinea’s Campaign
Reports from local media suggest players refused to travel to Lilongwe after the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation (FEGUIFUT) allegedly made last-minute changes to flight arrangements, leaving the squad dissatisfied with the travel conditions.
The federation now faces potential sanctions, with FIFA expected to rule the missed fixture as a 3-0 forfeit loss. It would mark yet another setback after FIFA earlier penalized the team for fielding ineligible striker Emilio Nsue, whose goals in 1-0 wins over Namibia and Liberia were voided and replaced with 3-0 defeats.
Those rulings effectively ended Equatorial Guinea’s qualification hopes. With 10 points from nine matches and sitting fifth in Group H, they are five points behind second-place Namibia and mathematically out of contention.
The team’s latest outing — a 1-0 home defeat to Tunisia on matchday seven — compounded an already difficult campaign marked by disciplinary issues, administrative missteps, and internal disputes.
Coaching Shake-Up Adds to Turmoil
In the wake of the Malawi debacle, FEGUIFUT suspended head coach Juan Micha indefinitely, accusing him and several players of “disrespecting the nation.” Assistant coach Casto Nopo Abeso has since been appointed interim manager for Monday’s game.
Uncertainty continues to surround the squad selection amid ongoing unrest in the camp. Nsue, the team’s captain, remains available for selection, though his inclusion is unclear. Midfielder Omar Mascarell is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Despite the turmoil, Equatorial Guinea are eager to end their campaign on a positive note in front of home fans.
Liberia Seek Momentum to Close Campaign
Liberia, meanwhile, will look to finish their qualifying run strongly despite also being out of contention. The Lone Star, led by head coach Thomas Kojo, have collected 14 points from nine matches and could climb to second place in Group H with a victory.
Even with a win, however, Liberia cannot qualify among the four best runners-up under FIFA’s revised system, which excludes results against bottom-ranked teams. With six points earned against São Tomé and Príncipe, the Lone Star remain five points short of the minimum threshold.
Still, Monday’s fixture provides an opportunity for Liberia to extend their two-game unbeaten streak, following a 2-2 draw with Malawi and a 3-1 win over Namibia.
Kojo Expected to Stick with Winning Formula
Coach Kojo is expected to maintain the 4-3-3 formation that proved effective against Namibia. Goalkeeper Junior Yeanaye will likely start behind a back four of Prince Balde, Philip Tarnue, Sampson Dweh, and Emmanuel Fully.
The midfield trio of Solomon Tweh, Divine Teah, and Oscar Dorley is expected to remain unchanged, while Ayouba Kosiah should once again lead the line, supported by Mamadu Bah and either Edward Ledlum or Nicholas Andrews on the flanks.
Ledlum, who scored off the bench in the Namibia match, is pushing for a starting role.
Final Round, Familiar Goals
For both sides, Monday’s match is less about qualification and more about pride and progress.
Liberia will aim to cement their recent improvements under Kojo, while Equatorial Guinea hope to salvage credibility after a campaign overshadowed by controversy.
Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. local time at the Estadio de Malabo.
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