Togo failed to get their 2026 FIFA World Cup? qualifying campaign off to a flying start as they were beaten 1-0 by Congo DR in a match between the two nations on 9 June.

In a cagey affair at the Stade des Martyrs, Young Boys striker Meschack Elia gave the home side the lead in the sixth minute before a solid defensive performance saw them hold on to the win.

Dare Nibombe's men have now failed to win any of their four World Cup qualifiers, with three points from a possible 12, and sit fourth in Group B after stalemates against Sudan, Senegal and South Sudan in their opening three games.

The Sparrow Hawks will now turn their attention to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they will be hoping to make an impact in Morocco and end an eight-year absence from the continental showpiece.

Togo last appeared at the 2017 AFCON in Gabon, where they finished bottom of Group C with one point from a possible nine, holding Côte d'Ivoire to a goalless draw in their opening game before suffering successive defeats to Morocco and Congo DR.

Liberia, meanwhile, continued their push for a first-ever World Cup appearance with a 1-0 victory over Sao Tome and Principe when the two sides met on 9 June.

Gaborone United man Sheikh Sesay scored the only goal of the game in the 90th minute to give the visitors all three points at the Stade Municipal de Bohicon.

Liberia have now won two and drawn one of their four Group H matches to collect seven points and sit third in the standings, three points behind leaders Tunisia for the automatic qualifying spot.

Head coach Mario Marinica will be hoping his side can pick up where they left off in June when the 2025 AFCON qualifiers kick off, having secured a 2-0 aggregate victory over Djibouti in the preliminary round in March.

After a 2-0 first leg win over Djibouti on 20 March, Liberia played out a goalless draw in the return leg at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex six days later to secure a 2-0 aggregate win over the Red Sea Islanders.

Liberia go into Friday's group opener unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions, winning three and drawing two, scoring seven goals and keeping four clean sheets since a 1-0 loss to Malawi in November 2023.

Togo possible starting lineup:

Ouro-Gneni; Djene, Fofana, Romao; Tchakei, Aholou, Agbagno, Narey, Aziangbe; Denkey, Laba

Liberia possible starting lineup:

Koulibaly; Teclar, Dweh, Kamara, Tarnue; Dorley, Kenneh, Sherriff; Kumeh, Sangare; Sackor

Prediction:Togo 1-0 Liberia

Togo vs Liberia stream and TV listing

International：Holasports