Following a tense affair at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Namibia and Liberia shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in their latest CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Wednesday night.

Namibia dominated the opening exchanges of the encounter, particularly during the first 10 minutes, as their slick passing moves often left Liberia chasing shadows in the middle of the pitch.

Tjipe Karuuombe’s 8^th minute strike separated the two nations at the Orlando Stadium, which prompted the Brave Warriors to assert their dominance in the tie.

Namibia came close to doubling their lead in the 41^st minute, after Deon Hotto struck the upright with a venomous shot following a free-kick situation just outside the area. At the other end of the pitch, Liberia registered their first attempt at goal soon after Hotto’s effort.

Liberia looked lively after the restart and immediately took the direct route via a series of corners and line-outs on the edge of the Brave Warriors 18-yard-area. However, Collin Benjamin’s side did well to weather the storm and swiftly gained control of the tie thereafter.

Liberia levelled matters in the 65^th minute following yet another sustained period of pressure inside the Namibia penalty area. Following a lobbed effort into the six-yard box, Lloyd Kazapua’s failed clearance fell to the feet of Terry Sackor, who guided the ball into the back of the net from close range.

The Brave Warriors piled on the pressure as the game reached its concluding phases and looked to exploit the opposition defence in wide areas of the pitch.

Liberia proved to be a tough nut to crack during the closing stages of the tie and held on to record a 1-1 draw with Namibia at the Orlando Stadium.

Namibia: Kazapua, Kamberipa, Ikeinge, Hambira, Hanamub , Aprocius, Namib (Katjimune 75’), Karuuombe (Kamatuka 88’), Kasume (Amutenya 75’), Kalula (Haidula 87’), Hotto

Liberia: Koulibaly, Dorley, Kamara, Dweh, Teclar, Swen, Tarnue, Sangare, Bility (Wilson 79’), Kumeh (Laomie 79’), Sackor (Gibson 89’)

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com