Namibia was held to a 1:1 draw by Liberia in a thrilling 2026 World Cup Preliminary Round qualifier at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg on Wednesday. The Brave Warriors, who had high hopes of continuing their winning streak, were forced to share the spoils after conceding a late equalizer from the resilient Liberians.
Namibia struck first with an early goal, setting the pace for what they anticipated to be a straightforward victory. Tjipee Karuuombe’s surging run from midfield culminated in a delightful chip from Ben Namib, which Karuuombe expertly steered home just eight minutes into the game. This cleverly crafted goal raised hopes for a comfortable win, but Namibia soon found themselves on the back foot against a physically robust Liberian side.
The Brave Warriors’ defense struggled to cope with Liberia’s long throw-ins, which caused considerable havoc. Namibia’s most experienced player, Deon Hotto, came close to doubling their lead late in the first half with a powerful free kick that smashed against the crossbar. However, Liberia had their chances too, including two penalty appeals that were turned down and a disallowed goal for offside.
In the 22nd minute, Mohamed Sangare went down after a challenge from Erasmus Ikeinge, but Congolese referee Messie Nkounbkou saw minimal contact and waved play on. Liberia continued to press and thought they had equalized ten minutes later when a flick-on from a long throw found Terry Sackor, who headed the ball into the net. Unfortunately for Liberia, the goal was ruled out for offside, as was teammate Abdulai Bility’s effort.
Namibia found themselves under increasing pressure as the game progressed. The second half saw the Brave Warriors largely pinned back, with Liberia almost capitalizing on defensive errors. Charles Hambira nearly scored an own goal while attempting to clear, only for the ball to loop back over his own crossbar.
Liberia’s persistence paid off in the 65th minute when another long throw from Kumeh created chaos in the Namibian box. Goalkeeper Loyt Kazapua failed to clear the ball on two occasions, allowing Sackor to pounce and tuck the ball away at the near post for the equalizer.
Hotto had a penalty appeal turned down in the 70th minute after being caught in the box by Sebastian Teclar, adding to Namibia’s frustrations. Liberia almost handed Namibia a late winner three minutes from time when Erastus Kulula’s rebound effort came back off the crossbar, but goalkeeper Abdulai Koulibaly was quick to react and make the save.
The draw sees Namibia advance to seven points from their opening three matches, having previously secured a default win over Equatorial Guinea and a victory against Sao Tome e Principe. Liberia, meanwhile, moved to four points, also benefiting from a default win over Equatorial Guinea due to the latter’s use of an ineligible player.
Namibia, missing their star striker Peter Shalulile due to injury, will next host Tunisia at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday. Liberia will face Sao Tome in neutral Morocco, with both teams looking to secure vital points in their quest for World Cup qualification.
