Liberia came flying out of the blocks, stunning the home crowd just three minutes into the game. Ayouba Kosiah latched onto a pass and smashed home a half-volley to give the Lone Stars a dream start. The visitors grew in confidence, with Salomon Tweh and Philip Tarnue both testing Malawi’s defense, though chances went begging.
Malawi struggled to impose themselves in the first half, and Liberia doubled their lead shortly after the restart. In the 61st minute, Kosiah struck again, coolly finishing from close range to make it 2-0 and seemingly put the game beyond reach.
But the Flames refused to go down without a fight. Backed by their passionate fans, Malawi clawed their way back into the contest. Frank “Gabadinho” Mhango pulled one back in the 73rd minute with a clinical right-footed strike, igniting belief across the stands. Just seven minutes later, substitute Chawanangwa Kawonga completed the comeback, firing past the Liberian goalkeeper to level the score at 2-2.
The final minutes were tense, with both sides cautious not to throw away the point. Despite six minutes of added time, neither team could find the winner.
At full time, it ended Malawi 2–2 Liberia. Liberia will rue letting a two-goal lead slip, while Malawi will take heart from their resilience and fighting spirit. With both teams earning just a point, Group H remains wide open.
