The race for second place in Group H of the World Cup Qualifiers remains wide open following Thursday’s dramatic results, as Malawi were awarded a 3-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea while Liberia stunned Namibia with a shocking 3-1 win.
Following Thursday’s results, Namibia missed the chance to seal second place, though they remain in that position with 15 points. Liberia now sit just one point behind on 14 points, while Malawi are fourth with 13 points.
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Namibia will need to beat Tunisia in their final qualifier to secure second place. A loss would leave the position open to either Liberia, who face Equatorial Guinea away, or Malawi, who play São Tomé and Príncipe in Tunisia.
Malawi Awarded Victory After Equatorial Guinea No-Show
The Flames were handed a 3-0 win after Equatorial Guinea failed to travel to Malawi for the scheduled match at Bingu National Stadium.
Equatorial Guinea were initially expected to arrive on Tuesday, with their arrival later postponed to 8:30pm Wednesday. However, the team never traveled, forcing the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to announce the match’s cancellation on game day.
“The Football Association of Malawi wishes to inform the general public that the FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Malawi and Equatorial Guinea, which was scheduled for today at 18:00hrs at Bingu National Stadium, will not take place due to unforeseen travel complications affecting the visiting team,” FAM’s statement read.
“FIFA has officially cancelled the match. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this development may cause.”
FIFA Regulations Applied
According to FIFA regulations, when a World Cup qualifier is not played due to a visiting team’s failure to appear, the visiting team is typically considered to have forfeited the match, resulting in a 3-0 win for the home team. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee would then investigate the circumstances surrounding the no-show and potentially impose sanctions such as fines or further penalties. The home team is awarded three points which are reflected in the standings, though depending on the circumstances, FIFA might require the teams to play the match at a later date or take other corrective action.
FAM Competitions Manager Gomezgani Zakazaka confirmed that Malawi received the three points and three-goal advantage.
“Equatorial Guinea failed to arrive because their players are on strike over issues with their FA. They had been negotiating from Tuesday until they decided the game should be cancelled. The players refused to board the plane, which is why the team is not here,” Zakazaka explained.
“FIFA has been informed and officially communicated the match cancellation in the system. The rules are clear—we have been awarded a 3-0 win. We apologize to fans who purchased tickets in advance.”
Liberia Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with Namibia Victory
Liberia delivered an impressive performance to defeat Namibia 3-1 in front of their home crowd, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
The Lone Stars made a dream start when Ayouba Kosiah converted an early penalty. Sulahmana Bah doubled the lead with a composed finish after rounding the Namibian goalkeeper.
Substitute Edward Ledlum sealed the victory late in the match with a curling effort from the edge of the area. David Ndeunyema pulled one back for Namibia in the final minutes, but it proved to be mere consolation.
The result means Liberia remain firmly in contention for the second qualifying spot heading into the final round of matches.
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