Janice R. Andrews
Libya’s national football squad faces mounting obstacles in their quest for AFCON 2025 qualification, with crucial matches against Rwanda and Benin looming. Currently anchored at the bottom of Group D with a single point from four matches, the Mediterranean Knights’ campaign has been marred by both administrative and team-related setbacks.
The team’s troubles intensified following a September incident at Al Abraq International Airport involving the Nigerian national team. The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) response was swift and severe – a $50,000 fine and automatic forfeit of the match to Nigeria, awarding them three points and three goals. This ruling dealt a significant blow to Libya’s qualification aspirations.
Adding to their woes, the team now confronts internal discord as several key players, including Besiktas midfielder Moatasem Al-Musrati, have withdrawn from the squad, citing inadequate team conditions. This situation prompted head coach Nasser Al-Hadhiri to publicly express his disappointment, drawing unfavorable comparisons between his absent players and committed North African stars like Mohamed Salah and Riyad Mahrez.
The team’s preparation schedule has faced additional disruption due to the concurrent Omar Al-Mukhtar Friendly Championship, as reported by Libya Al Ahrar television network. This scheduling conflict has hampered their ability to focus on the crucial upcoming qualifiers.
With matches against Rwanda at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium and Benin remaining, Libya’s path to AFCON 2025 in Morocco has narrowed considerably. While mathematical qualification remains possible through winning both fixtures, the combination of internal strife, administrative penalties, and preparation challenges has cast a long shadow over their prospects.
