Published: September 11, 2024
MONROVIA — Algeria defeated Liberia 3-0, ending Lone Star coach Mario Marinica’s five-game unbeaten run at the SKD Stadium. The match marked Liberia’s second in Group ‘E’ of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute when Amine Gouiri found the back of the net from within the six-yard box. Eight minutes later, Adem Zorgane doubled Algeria’s lead, and veteran striker Baghdad Bounedjah sealed the victory in the 80th minute.
Liberia started slowly, allowing Algeria to dominate the proceedings, and the visitors’ control paid off after just 17 minutes when an unmarked Gouiri scored a well-coordinated team goal. With Liberia sitting deep, the North Africans struck again, as Zorgane caught goalkeeper Abdullai Koulibaly off guard with a superb effort.
Coach Mario Marinica was forced to make an early substitution in the 33rd minute, replacing Koulibaly with Tommy Songo due to a suspected hamstring injury. The substitution sparked some jeers from home supporters, who felt Koulibaly could have done more to prevent the second goal.
In the second half, Liberia moved away from their usual long-ball strategy following the introduction of Peter Wilson, Lawrence Kumeh, and 16-year-old striker William Gibson. Marinica, searching for his first home win, also brought on 18-year-old midfielder Devine Teah, but despite the changes, Algeria maintained control and secured the 3-0 victory.
The defeat means Liberia has yet to win a competitive match at the refurbished SKD Stadium since 2019. Losses to South Africa, Malawi, Equatorial Guinea, and Algeria, coupled with a draw against Djibouti, have created an unwanted record since the stadium was revamped with artificial turf.
Liberia has also failed to win any of their seven meetings against the Desert Foxes. Algeria now leads Group ‘E’ with six points, while Togo, who drew 2-2 with Equatorial Guinea, is second with two points. Liberia sits at the bottom with one point, with Equatorial Guinea in third place.
The next round of qualifiers is scheduled for October, with the Lone Star traveling to Equatorial Guinea on October 7 before returning home for the reverse fixture eight days later.
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