Flames fight back to draw with Liberia in 2026 World Cup Qualifier

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi national football team the Flames, were held to a 2-2 draw by Liberia in an intense FIFA World Cup qualifying match played on Monday at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

Liberia took an early lead just three minutes into the game when Ayouba Kosiah capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot the ball past William Thole.

The early goal unsettled the Flames and despite creating a few half chances, they failed to break through as the first half ended with Liberia in front.

After the break Kosiah, struck again in the 61st minute, punishing Malawi after Thole failed to deal with what looked like an easy clearance doubling the visitors’ advantage and silencing the home crowd.

The Flames refused to give up. In the 71st minute, forward Gabadinho Mhango pulled one back for Malawi after receiving a well timed pass from substitute Mayele Malango.

The goal energized the home side and just eight minutes later substitute Chawanangwa Kaonga came off the bench to level the score at 2-2 with a powerful strike, sparking wild celebrations among the fans.

Despite late pressure from both sides neither team could find the winner leaving the Flames to settle for a point at home.

The draw leaves Malawi in fourth place in Group H with 10 points from eight games. This result means the Flames have an uphill task in their remaining fixtures if they are to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.

Coach Kalisto Pasuwa made two changes from the side that beat Namibia last Friday. William Thole returned between the posts after recovering from a knock while Lloyd Aaron replaced Yankho Singo in midfield. Patrick Mwaungulu started on the right flank with Gabadinho Mhango and Richard Mbulu leading the attack.

Meanwhile Tunisiawho is in same group H has booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in dramatic fashion as Mohamed Ben Romdhane scored in stoppage time to give his side a 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, sealing their qualification for the tournament in North America.