World Cup (Q): Kojo says Liberia ran out of steam

Liberia coach Thomas Kojo has commented on his team’s late collapse in Monday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Malawi in Lilongwe.

Liberia looked to be cruising to a comfortable victory after striker Ayouba Kosiah scored in either half of this Group H match at Bingu National Stadium.

However, with 20 minutes remaining on the clock, the North Africans surrendered the two-goal lead to settle for a two-all draw with the Flames.

Striker Gabadinho Mhango scored in the 71st minute via a header then the South Africa-based forward created a goal for substitute Chawananga Kaonga in the 80th minute.

Reflecting on the match, Kojo attributed the two goals his team conceded to a lapse in concentration.

“You find that at a certain stage of the game, my players were tired and Malawians kept pushing very hard. There was a lack of concentration, especially the physical part of the game. Our players ran out of steam at a certain point and the Malawians took advantage of that,” he explained.

“I said the game would be tough looking at the Malawians team. I know they are a very good team which is difficult to beat, but right now Malawi is right behind Liberia and we have our next game at home.”

Nonetheless, the coach said his team achieved its game-plan despite dropping two points.

“Overall, the game was difficult but at the end of the day, we had a game-plan and we achieved what we came here for,” Kojo added.

“My team came with a plan. After losing to Tunisia, we decided to come out to make sure that we get maximum points, unfortunately we drew.”

The point took fifth-placed Malawi’s tally to 10 points from eight games, one behind Liberia in fourth at par with Equatorial Guinea. Malawi are out of the running for a place at the World Cup finals while Liberia have mere mathematical chances.

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