Today, March 19, 2025, is a big day for Liberian football fans as the national team, affectionately known as the Lone Star, takes on Tunisia in a high-stakes World Cup qualifier. The match will be held at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, and it’s shaping up to be a thrilling encounter. For Liberia, this game is more than just a match, it’s a chance to reignite their World Cup dreams and prove they can compete with Africa’s best.
Liberia currently sits in third place in Group H with seven points from four matches. They’ve had a mixed run so far, with two wins, one draw, and one loss. Tunisia, on the other hand, leads the group with 10 points from three matches. A win today would see Liberia level with Tunisia at the top of the group, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. But it won’t be easy, Tunisia is a football powerhouse, ranked 93 places above Liberia in the FIFA rankings.
Liberia’s journey to this point hasn’t been smooth. The team had a tough time during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, finishing at the bottom of their group and missing out on the tournament in Morocco. However, the World Cup qualifiers have brought a renewed sense of hope. A recent boost came when FIFA overturned a 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea, awarding Liberia a 3-0 win because Equatorial Guinea fielded an ineligible player. This decision gave the team a much-needed morale boost.
Since then, Liberia has shown resilience, securing a 1-1 draw against Namibia and a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sao Tome & Principe. These results have breathed new life into their World Cup campaign, and fans are hopeful that the team can carry this momentum into today’s match.
Tunisia, known as the Eagles of Carthage, is one of Africa’s most successful football nations. They’ve qualified for the World Cup six times and have a strong track record in AFCON. Under their new head coach, Sami Trabelsi, Tunisia is looking to maintain their dominance in the qualifiers. Trabelsi, who previously coached the team from 2011 to 2013, has brought in some fresh faces and recalled a few experienced players to strengthen the squad.
Tunisia has been in excellent form, winning three of their last four matches and drawing one. They’ve also been strong on the road, with three wins and three draws in recent competitive games. For Liberia, this means they’ll need to bring their A-game to stand a chance against such a formidable opponent.
Liberia’s head coach, Thomas Kojo, has been preparing meticulously for this match. He’s named a 24-man squad, blending experience with fresh talent. The team includes 13 foreign-based players and 11 local-based players, with five players making their debut. One player to watch is Augustine Otu, a striker who has been in sensational form for his Egyptian club, Tersana SC, scoring 11 goals this season. His return to the national team is a major boost for Liberia.
However, the team will miss some key players, including Mohammed Sangare, Emmanuel Ernest, and Brem Soumaoro, who are unavailable for this crucial match. Despite these absences, Coach Kojo remains optimistic. He’s been studying Tunisia’s recent games and adjusting his tactics to counter their strengths.
Liberia will likely rely on their home advantage and the passionate support of their fans to push them forward. The team’s only previous home meeting with Tunisia ended in a 1-0 victory for Liberia during the 2015 AFCON qualifiers, and they’ll be hoping to replicate that success today.
For Tunisia, the goal is clear: maintain their unbeaten run and solidify their position at the top of the group. With a strong squad and a proven track record, they’ll be confident of getting a result.
Liberia Possible Starting Lineup:
Koulibaly; Teclar, Dweh, Balde, Pabai; Kenneth; Salmon; Otu, Dorley, Ledlum; Bryant
Tunisia Possible Starting Lineup:
Dahmen; Ghorbel, Bronn, Abda, Abdi; Romdhane; Ltaief, Sliti; Laidouni, Mastouri, Chaouat
