Published: September 5, 2025
RADES, Tunisia — Liberia’s World Cup qualifying hopes dimmed Thursday after a 3-0 defeat to Tunisia, with the Carthage Eagles tightening their grip on Group H and moving closer to a second straight World Cup appearance.
Hazem Mastouri struck early, punishing a defensive lapse by Mark Pabai in the fifth minute and chipping the ball over goalkeeper Tommy Songo. The forward nearly doubled the lead midway through the first half, but Songo kept Liberia in the contest with a sharp save.
Tunisia extended its advantage in the 66th minute when veteran midfielder Ferjani Sassi powered in a header from Hannibal Mejbri’s cross. Substitute Elias Saad capped the scoring deep into stoppage time with a curling free kick that left Songo rooted.
The victory pushed Tunisia to 19 points from seven matches, seven clear of second-placed Namibia, which holds a game in hand. Liberia stayed third on goal difference with 10 points, level with Equatorial Guinea.
Liberia coach Thomas Kojo had urged his side to show belief, giving a debut to Malta-based striker Mamadu Bah. But the Lone Stars’ evening unraveled when Moldova-based defender Natus Swen was stretchered off injured after just 11 minutes.
Forward Ayouba Kosiah led the attack and registered three shots on target, while Songo, despite an error on Tunisia’s second goal, finished with five saves.
Liberia now heads to Malawi for a September 8 clash that could prove decisive in its bid to stay in contention.
Group H Standings
- Tunisia — 19 points (7 matches)
- Namibia — 12 (6)
- Liberia — 10 (7)
- Equatorial Guinea — 10 (7)
- Malawi — 6 (6)
- São Tomé and Príncipe — 0 (7)
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