Match Preview: Liberia vs. Equatorial Guinea
Sports Mole previews the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Liberia and Equatorial Guinea on Monday evening at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium.
Equatorial Guinea aims to build on their first victory of the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign, while Liberia seeks to secure their first win and avoid a third consecutive defeat.
In their previous meeting, Equatorial Guinea edged Liberia 1-0, with Iban Salvador scoring from the penalty spot. This defeat left Liberia at the bottom of Group E with just one point from three matches, significantly hindering their chances of qualifying for AFCON for the first time since 2002. The Lone Stars have recorded two wins and three draws in all competitions this year but face the risk of losing three straight matches for the first time since late 2023.
Historically, Liberia holds an unbeaten home record against Equatorial Guinea, winning one match and drawing another. However, the victory was granted after Equatorial Guinea fielded an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier.
Equatorial Guinea’s recent win has lifted them to second in the group with four points, five behind leaders Algeria. After starting 2024 strongly, they managed only one win in five matches before Friday’s success. Coach Juan Micha hopes for an improved performance in this rematch, as Equatorial Guinea has never won away in Liberia and has not triumphed in their last four away games across all competitions.
Team News
Equatorial Guinea faces a setback with forward Emilio Nsue serving a six-month international suspension. Iban Salvador has stepped up as the primary goal scorer, while Federico Bikoro seeks to add to his 56 caps. Santiago Eneme, yet to score in over 20 appearances, will lead the line again.
Liberia’s goalkeeper Abdulai Koulibaly returns after an injury scare. William Gibson, who scored Liberia’s only goal in the qualifiers, could return to the lineup after missing the previous match.
Predicted Lineups:
Liberia: Koulibaly; Swen, Kamara, Dweh; Freeman, Kenneh, Dorley, Teclar; Wilson, Sackor, Kumeh
Equatorial Guinea: Owono; Akapo, Fernandez, Anieboh, Ndong; Obiang, Pepin, Ganet; Buyla, Eneme, Salvador
Liberia has struggled offensively, failing to score in their last two matches, but their defense may hold up against an Equatorial Guinea side that struggled to create chances in their last outing.
