When Ronaldo Lumongo, forward for São Tomé and Príncipe, slipped the ball into the net from the spot in the 62nd minute, the island nation celebrated its first World Cup‑qualifying triumph in years.
The match unfolded on Monday, 13 October 2025, at Stade Olympique in Sousse, Tunisia. Though listed as the nominal ‘home’ side, São Tomé & Príncipe had to travel because their own facilities can’t host a CAF qualifier. A lone goal was enough to seal a 1‑0 victory over Malawi, a dead‑rubber fixture that still meant a lot for pride and FIFA ranking points.
Background to CAF Group H
Group H was a six‑team marathon in the African pathway to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The group comprised Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Malawi, Liberia and São Tomé and Príncipe. Only the group winner earned a direct berth; the rest were relegated to the play‑off route or eliminated.
From the outset, Tunisia – the so‑called ‘Carthage Eagles’ – dominated, clinching crucial wins and cruising to the top. The other five nations battled for pride, hoping to avoid a winless campaign.
The Match in Sousse
Kick‑off was scheduled for 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT). The referee was Jean Pierre Nguiene of the Republic of Congo, a familiar face in CAF’s elite panel. Attendance hovered around 8,000, with a blend of local Tunisians and a modest delegation of supporters from both visiting nations.
Early chances were few. Malawi’s striker, who had found the net against Namibia earlier in the campaign, pressed high but couldn’t convert. São Tomé & Príncipe’s defense, organized by veteran centre‑back Joaquim Nascimento, held firm, forcing the visitors into a series of long balls that fell short of the box.
Key Moments and the Decisive Penalty
The breakthrough arrived midway through the second half. A swift counter‑attack saw Lumongo dribble past a defender, earn a foul just inside the penalty area, and step up to tap home. The referee pointed to the spot; the crowd fell silent for a heartbeat, then erupted as the ball rolled into the bottom‑left corner. That historic strike settled the scoreline.
There were no further goals, but a handful of yellow cards reminded everyone that tension lingered. Neither side needed extra time; the referee blew the final whistle at 90 minutes, confirming a 1‑0 win for São Tomé & Príncipe.
Reactions from Players and Officials
After the match, Lumongo, still catching his breath, said, “Scoring for my country in a World Cup qualifier feels like a dream. We may be out of the race, but we showed we belong.”
Malawi’s captain, Samuel Moyo, nodded respectfully, adding, “We gave it our all. Credit to the lads in São Tomé & Príncipe – a well‑deserved win.”
In a brief interview, the president of the São Tomé and Príncipe Football Federation praised the team’s resilience and highlighted the logistical challenges of playing a ‘home’ game abroad. “Our infrastructure limits us, but the players proved that spirit can bridge any stadium,” he said.
The match also drew attention from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), whose post‑match report called the fixture “a showcase of determination from a smaller footballing nation.”
Implications for São Tomé & Príncipe and Malawi
Both teams entered the final match already eliminated from the direct qualification slot. Nonetheless, the win boosts São Tomé & Príncipe’s FIFA ranking by a few places, potentially easing future seedings. For Malawi, the loss sandwiched between a win over Namibia and a defeat to Equatorial Guinea confirms a mixed campaign but offers lessons for the upcoming Nations Cup qualifiers.
Beyond numbers, the victory offers a morale lift for a nation of just over 200,000 people. Local media called it “a moment that will be replayed in schoolyards for years,” underscoring how football can spark national pride.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 World Cup looming, the next steps for both sides lie in regional tournaments. São Tomé & Príncipe will focus on the African Nations Championship (CHAN), where only locally‑based players compete – a perfect platform to build on the confidence from the Lumongo penalty.
Malawi, meanwhile, will regroup under head coach John Kawo and aim to secure a better standing in the COSAFA Cup later this year. Both federations have hinted at investing in youth academies, hoping to turn these hard‑won lessons into future success.
Key Facts
- Match: CAF Group H Matchday 10, 13 Oct 2025
- Venue: Stade Olympique, Sousse, Tunisia
- Result: São Tomé & Príncipe 1 – 0 Malawi
- Goal: 62′ penalty by Ronaldo Lumongo
- Referee: Jean Pierre Nguiene (Congo)
- Implication: First World Cup‑qualifying win for São Tomé & Príncipe in years; both teams eliminated from direct qualification
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect São Tomé & Príncipe’s FIFA ranking?
The victory adds three points to São Tomé & Príncipe’s ranking total, nudging them up from 199th to 194th place. While it won’t change their seeding for the next World Cup cycle, a higher rank can ease draw difficulty for future CAF qualifiers.
Why was the ‘home’ match played in Tunisia?
São Tomé & Príncipe lacks a stadium that meets CAF’s standards for lighting, seating and security. The federation arranged to use Stade Olympique, a neutral venue that satisfied the technical requirements and was logistically feasible for both teams.
What does the result mean for Malawi’s qualification hopes?
Malawi was already out of contention before the final fixture. The loss merely confirms a fourth‑place finish in Group H, leaving them to focus on the next regional competition rather than World Cup hopes.
Who will coach São Tomé & Príncipe in upcoming tournaments?
The federation retained head coach Pedro Monteiro after the qualifier. He plans to lead the side in the 2026 African Nations Championship, aiming to capitalize on the confidence generated by the Lumongo goal.
Will the penalty controversy affect any future matches?
There was no protest lodged after the penalty. The referee’s decision was widely accepted, and CAF’s post‑match report noted the call was “clear and consistent with the Laws of the Game.”
Anil Puri
October 13, 2025 AT 23:26People love to hype up a single goal, but a 1‑0 win in a dead‑rubber doesn't change much for São Tomé & Príncipe's World Cup dream.
The group was already decided, so this result is more about pride than qualification.
Also, travelling to Tunisia shows the federation's infrastructure woes.
Anyone saying this is a miracle is ignoring the bigger picture.
Still, the fans get a story to brag about.
Yogitha Priya
October 14, 2025 AT 00:13It's scary how quickly we forget the hidden hands behind these "miracle" moments.
Someone clearly pulled strings to get a penalty awarded – that's how the elites keep their influence alive.
Meanwhile, the narrative pushes patriotism while the real issues, like lack of proper stadiums, stay ignored.
We must stay vigilant and not be fooled by a single celebratory chant.
The fans deserve transparency, not just a feel‑good story.
Rajesh kumar
October 14, 2025 AT 01:03All this talk about a tiny island nation scoring a penalty is pure propaganda for the media.
They love to glorify any win, no matter how insignificant, to distract from the fact that Africa's football structure is failing.
São Tomé & Príncipe will never compete with the big nations unless they overhaul their entire system.
Don't be fooled by the hype.
Hemakul Pioneers
October 14, 2025 AT 01:53There is something profoundly moving about a small nation punching above its weight on the international stage.
When Ronaldo Lumongo stepped up to take that penalty, he carried with him the hopes of an entire archipelago.
In moments like these, sports become a mirror reflecting collective identity and perseverance.
The players, despite limited resources, demonstrated a discipline that many larger nations lack.
It's a reminder that talent can emerge from any corner of the world, irrespective of stadium lighting or seating capacity.
The victory, albeit modest on the scoreboard, is a catalyst for national pride.
Young children in São Tomé & Príncipe will now have a living example of what dedication can achieve.
Such stories often spark increased participation at the grassroots level, fostering a new generation of athletes.
Moreover, the psychological boost for a nation of just over 200,000 people cannot be understated.
When the community gathers around a single triumph, it reinforces social cohesion.
Even the diaspora will feel a renewed connection to their homeland.
From a strategic perspective, the federation can leverage this momentum to lobby for better infrastructure.
The anecdote of playing a 'home' game abroad underscores the urgent need for investment.
Potential sponsors might see this as an opportunity to align with a positive narrative.
In the broader African football context, successes of smaller nations challenge the status quo.
They compel governing bodies to reassess resource allocation and development programs.
Ultimately, while the win does not alter qualification pathways, its ripple effects could be far‑reaching.