Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 13, 2024 at 4pm UK

Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex

Liberiavs.Togo

Match preview

Liberia's wait to return to the main draw of the Africa Cup of Nations was extended last month when they suffered back-to-back defeats against Equatorial Guinea in rounds three and four of qualifying.

The Lone Stars have now failed to qualify for the AFCON in each of their last 10 attempts, going back to the 2001-02 season. That was the last time they reached the tournament proper, but they bowed out in the group stage.

However, it was a bit of a surprise that they were knocked out of this competition so early, given their recent results elsewhere. For example, in the CAF World Cup qualifiers, they're in third place in their group, just one point behind Namibia in second and three behind group leaders Tunisia.

On top of that, the Lone Stars, now under the guidance of interim coach Thomas Kojo, beat Sierra Leone in the first round of the African Nations Championship qualifiers a couple of weeks ago. That means the three losses they've had in this competition are the only ones they've had in their last 11 matches.

On home turf, Liberia's recent performance has been a bit lacklustre, with just one win in their last six matches. They drew two and lost three of the remaining five games during that period.

Meanwhile, after losing 5-1 to Algeria in round three, Togo played much better at home against the Desert Warriors in round four. They still lost 1-0, though, with Ramy Bensebaini scoring the only goal from the penalty spot.

This means the Sparrowhawks are now on the brink of elimination and will officially be out of contention if they don't win this match and Equatorial Guinea beat Algeria in the other match in this group.

However, Dare Nibombe's team will be feeling pretty confident going into this match, having already secured their spot in the second round of the African Nations Championship qualifiers at the start of this month by beating Benin 3-1 on aggregate.

The reverse fixture between these sides ended in a 1-1 draw, and Togo have only lost three of their last 16 matches across all competitions (W5 D8 L3) dating back to the end of March 2023.

On the road, though, the visitors' record is less impressive, with only two wins earned in their last 12 matches, and those came against Niger and Eswatini, both of whom are ranked below the Sparrowhawks in the FIFA world rankings.

Recent Performance

Liberia Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:WDDLLL

Liberia form (all competitions):DWDLLL

Togo Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:DDLL

Togo form (all competitions):DLDDLL

Team News

Thomas Kojo has called up Austin FC's Byrant Farkarlun for the first time in his career following an impressive first season where he scored four goals and made nine assists in the MLS NEXT Pro league.

On top of that, the interim head coach has also called up Terrence Tisdell and Swedish-born midfielder Justin Salmon, who last played for the Lone Stars against South Africa in March last year.

Nibombe has had to deal with a few major setbacks in putting together his squad. Reports suggest that of the 25 players called up, only 12 had arrived in Monrovia by Monday morning.

On top of that, Mansour Ouro-Tagba has pulled out of the squad to focus on securing his place at 2. Bundesliga side Regensburg. He's been replaced by Bilali Akoro from ASCK. Khaled Narey has also declined the national team's call-up due to personal reasons.

Possible starting lineup

Liberia possible starting lineup:

Koulibaly; Dweh, Balde, Kamara, Swen, Teclar; Teah, Tisdell, Farkarlun, Dorley, Ernest

Togo possible starting lineup:

Barcola; Amevor, Boma, Boateng, Fofana; Aholou, Agbagno, Aziangbe, Karim; Klidje; Denkey