FIFA 2026 WCQ: Malawi and Zambia Earn perfect start, winning Congo and Liberia

By Biwah Bryan

Zambia 4-2 Congo

Zambia triumphed over Congo with a remarkable 4-2 scoreline in their first 2026 World Cup qualifying match at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

The Chipolopolo team, after conceding early goals from Patson Daka and Mons Bassouamina of Congo fought back to tie the game with a score of 2-2 at halftime, cancelling out the opposing goals from Silver Ganvoula and Lameck Banda.

The team then secured another two goals, with Fashion Sakala and Daka, to earn the three points in Ndola, positioning them at the top of Group E ahead of Niger’s match against Tanzania.

Liberia 0-1 Malawi

Malawi began their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Liberia at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, courtesy to a late second-half goal from substitute Chifundo Mphasi.

coach Mabedi of Malawi made two substitutions to boost their attacking prowess. However, it wasn’t until the 77th minute that Malawi finally found the back of the net when Mphasi scored from Tatenda M’balaka’s long-range switch.

The match was played under heavy rain, but Malawi controlled possession and frustrated the hosts, sealing their first-ever win in West Africa.