2023 AFCON Qualifiers: Mo Sagare’s Late Stunner Earns Liberia 2-2 Draw in South Africa

In Group K of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Liberia earned a crucial point away to South Africa on Friday at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto thanks to a stunning 90+1-minute goal from substitute Mohammed Sangare.

Lyle Foster of Burnley FC scored twice for South Africa in the first half, with the first coming from the penalty spot in the eleventh minute. However, Coach Ansumana Keita's substitutions in the second half changed the outcome.

In the 68th minute, Tonia Tisdell, who had just been substituted in for Terrance Tisdell, scored a free-kick goal to bring Liberia back into the contest. 

Oscar Dorley came close to getting the equalizer, but his left-footed strike was saved by goalkeeper Williams, who thought that it was the winning save, but Mo Sangare's stunning left strike from outside the area gave him no chance of making another save.

South Africa had several chances to end the match before the end of regulation, but they didn't take advantage of the chances. 

Liberia moved up to second place on goal differential despite South Africa and Liberia being tied on points now. 

The Lone Star were pleased with the draw because head coach Ansumana Keita thinks his team will have the upper hand when they play the second leg at home on Tuesday, March 28, at the SKD Sports Stadium.

As a result of the SKD's CAF-imposed ban for failing to adhere to international standards, this will be Liberia's first home game played on home soil since 2019.

Friday’s match was coach Keita’s first international match as head coach of Liberia's senior men’s national team.

Coach Keita stated before the game that his team was ready to compete in order to secure a spot in the upcoming AFCON in the neighboring country of Cote D'Ivoire, noting that they were not competing against the South Africans as underdogs.