MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The sting of Liberia’s latest defeat was still palpable, the disappointment at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex lingering, when Sports Minister Cornelia Kruah took to Facebook with a message that was both accepting and optimistic, yet brutally honest about the reality facing the Lone Star.
“Not the result we wanted. Better than the last. 2/6 – 4 more to go,” Kruah wrote after Liberia suffered a 0-1 loss to Mali in its second consecutive defeat in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The phrase that may now hold the most significance is: “Four more to go.” Indeed, Liberia has only played two of its six group matches.
Howbeit, after losing both, the path to AFCON 2027 has transformed into one where every remaining match is crucial.
The Lone Star currently sits with zero points from two matches, following a 3-1 defeat away to Rwanda in the opening round and Tuesday night’s narrow 1-0 loss to Mali. Yet, there is a narrative that extends beyond the mere statistics.
BETTER THAN THE LAST — BUT STILL A LOSS
Minister Kruah’s remark— “Better than the last”—highlights the odd contradiction surrounding Liberia’s campaign.
The Lone Star faced defeat against Rwanda in Kigali, yet their performance suggested that the scoreline didn’t fully reflect the match’s dynamics.
In their game against Mali, they were even more competitive. Mali entered the match as the stronger team on paper, having already showcased their strength with a 3-1 victory over Cape Verde in their opening game.
Rwanda also started strong, defeating Liberia 3-1. However, Liberia made Mali earn their win. The Lone Star fought hard, competed fiercely, and refused to be intimidated.
Yet, when the final whistle blew, Mali had secured the goal, leaving Liberia with another loss. This reality makes the campaign particularly frustrating.
The Lone Star isn’t being completely outplayed; rather, it’s not achieving the results that their efforts deserve. But in the world of qualification football, that difference can ultimately become meaningless.
THE TABLE IS ALREADY TALKING
After two rounds, Rwanda leads Group K with six points, having followed their win over Liberia with a 2-1 comeback against Cape Verde in Praia.
Mali sits second with three points and has a match in hand compared to Rwanda’s two completed games.
Both Liberia and Cape Verde have yet to earn a point. This stark reality is what Liberia faces.
It becomes even more critical as Group K has two qualification spots available. According to CAF’s format, the top two teams in groups without one of the three automatically qualified co-hosts will advance to the 2027 finals.
Liberia isn’t just aiming for one qualifying spot; it’s actually vying for one of two. However, after two matches, the Lone Star finds itself six points behind the group leader and three points behind Mali.
The silver lining? The campaign is still ongoing. The downside? There’s little room left for errors.
FOUR MATCHES THAT COULD SHAPE LIBERIA’S CAMPAIGN
Minister Kruah is correct in stating that there are four matches remaining. But these aren’t just four additional chances; they could be the key to whether this campaign is remembered for a determined effort or ends in yet another disappointing failure to qualify for the continental stage.
Liberia’s upcoming schedule includes a trip to Cape Verde in November, followed by a home match against Cape Verde shortly after.
The last two matches are set for March 2027, with Liberia heading to Rwanda before Mali visits.
This sequence offers Liberia a crucial opportunity to face every opponent it has already encountered or will meet again.
Rwanda has beaten Liberia once, and Mali has also defeated the Lone Star once. Meanwhile, Cape Verde has yet to play against Liberia. However, Liberia will have the chance to revisit these matchups, but the margin for error is becoming increasingly slim.
THE CAPE VERDE TEST MAY BE CRUCIAL
The upcoming window could be particularly significant. Liberia is set to travel to Cape Verde before returning home to take on the Blue Sharks.
Cape Verde, like Liberia, has not earned any points after two matches, suffering a 3-1 loss to Mali and a 2-1 defeat at home against Rwanda.
This means that Liberia’s two matches against Cape Verde could be vital in deciding who stays within reach of the top two spots.
For Liberia, the focus has shifted from merely avoiding defeat to actively securing points. A win away could significantly boost the team’s morale for the campaign.
Two victories against Cape Verde could completely change the dynamics. However, failing to turn promising performances into results could complicate the remaining matches.
THE LONE STAR’S GREAT FRUSTRATION
This might explain why Kruah’s brief message on Facebook resonates beyond its straightforward numbers. “Not the result we wanted.” That’s clear. “Better than the last.”
This is only debatable in that Liberia’s performance was indeed more competitive than their initial defeat, yet the scoreboard remains harsh. “2/6.” That’s the reality. “4 more to go.” That’s the hope.
But there’s another question that hasn’t been addressed: What will Liberia do with those four matches?
The Lone Star cannot afford to spend the remaining games simply proving that they can compete.
Liberia has already shown its potential. It faced off against Rwanda and Mali, and the players have displayed great spirit and determination. They have proven they can compete with more established teams. However, the real challenge lies ahead: winning.
THE SCOREBOARD DOES NOT REMEMBER HOW WELL YOU PLAYED
This might be the toughest lesson from Liberia’s first two matches. Football remembers the goals, the standings reflect the points, and history recalls who qualified.
It doesn’t keep track of the emotional satisfaction of a team playing a “splendid” game. That’s why the next four matches will require more than just effort from the Lone Star.
They will need precision, focus, and, most importantly, goals and results.
Liberia still has a chance to qualify for the 2027 AFCON, but the path has become more challenging.
Rwanda is currently leading with six points, followed by Mali with six as well. Liberia and Cape Verde are yet to score.
There is still time left, with four matches to go and twelve points up for grabs.
But after suffering two defeats, Liberia must view those twelve points as more than just a distant goal; they have become essential.
Minister Kruah says: “2/6 — 4 more to go.” While the message is straightforward, the challenge ahead is far from easy.
For the Lone Star, the upcoming four matches are not just additional games in the season; they represent the entirety of their campaign.
