The resumption of the FIFA World Cup African qualifiers on Wednesday, June 5, saw closely contested fixtures as African nations resumed their quest to represent the continent at the global showpiece in 2026.
Among the highlights was Liberia’s resilient performance against Namibia, earning a crucial point away from home in a tightly fought encounter. Matches across the continent showcased the competitive spirit of the teams as they aimed to secure their places in the next stage of the qualifiers.
Namibia 1-1 Liberia
Goals T. Karuuombe 8’ / Terry Sackor 65’
In Johannesburg, Namibia started strong with an early goal by Tijpe Karuuombe in the 8th minute, putting the Brave Warriors in control. However, Liberia demonstrated their fighting spirit, equalizing in the 65th minute through Tonia Tisdell Sackor. The draw earned Liberia a valuable point on the road, showcasing their determination to make an impact in the qualifiers.
Togo 1-1 South Sudan
Goals: K. Narey 61’ / R. Aholou (own goal) 68’
Togo hosted South Sudan in Lome, where the match ended in a 1-1 draw. Khaled Narey put Togo ahead just after the hour mark, but an own goal by Roger Aholou in the 68th minute allowed South Sudan to escape with a point. Togo is now fourth in Group B, with South Sudan trailing in fifth.
Central African Republic 1-0 Chad
Goal credit V. Baboula 29’
In a match played in Morocco, Central African Republic secured a 1-0 victory over Chad, thanks to a 29th-minute strike by Geoffrey Kondogbia. This win moves Central African Republic to third on the table, while Chad remains at the bottom.
Sierra Leone 2-1 Djibouti
Goals scored by C. Davies 12’, A. Kargbo 51’ / G. Dadzie (penalty) 35’
Sierra Leone faced a tough challenge from Djibouti but managed to secure a 2-1 victory. C. Davies opened the scoring for Sierra Leone in the 12th minute, but Djibouti’s G. Dadzie equalized from the penalty spot just before halftime. A. Kargbo’s goal in the 51st minute ultimately sealed the win for Sierra Leone, who had to work hard to earn the three points.
Summary of 16:00 GMT Matches
The opening fixtures of the MD3 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers have set the stage for an exciting journey towards the 2026 World Cup. Liberia’s impressive draw away to Namibia, along with other tightly contested matches, highlights the competitive nature of African football. As the qualifiers continue, teams will be looking to build on their performances and secure their spots in the next round.
