Libya celebrate return of international football to the country after seven years

Libya celebrate return of international football

JOHANNESBURG, March 29 (ANA) – While they may have failed in their ultimate quest to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Libya celebrated a far greater milestone as international football returned to the North African nation for the first time in seven years last week.

Libya hosted Tunisia in their Group J qualifying match at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium, in Benghazi, on March 25.

Although the visiting Tunisian team defeated Libya 5-2, it was a historic occasion for the hosts.

Libya Football Federation (LFF) president and member of Caf executive committee Abdulhakim Alshalmani said: “This is good for us in Libya to have international football return. It has taken hard work to make sure that the facility was okay to host this big game.

He pointed out that they will continue to work hard to ensure that other stadia like those in Tripoli also meet the requirements to be ready to stage international matches.

Faisal Ali Albadari, Libya skipper, said it was a good feeling to be playing international football on home ground.

“We are very pleased that we are finally playing back on home soil. Yes, it is sad that fans still cannot come and fill the stadium because of the challenges of Covid-19, but we are glad about this development.”

Omar Malik, aLibyan football fan said he was pleased Caf had finally cleared Libya to host games.

Malik said: “We have been missing watching international football for many years. It is not easy following our teams all the time on TV.”

LFF secretary general, Abdunnaser Ahmed said: “This feels so good to watch the boys on home ground. I know we still have a lot to do to improve and promote football in Libya.” – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman