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Libya returns to sport after almost a decade of absence
Soccer-loving Libyans are celebrating the return of international soccer to their country, after their national team hosted Tunisia in a qualifying match for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday (March 25, 2021) in Benghazi. .
Although the visiting Tunisian team defeated Libya 5-2 at the Estadio Mártires de Benina, it was a historic match that marked the return of international football home after seven years.
“It is good for us in Libya to have the return of international football. It has been hard work to make sure the facilities were in good condition to host this great game, ”said the president of the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) and member of the CAF executive committee, Abdulhakim Alshalmani.
He noted that they will continue to work hard so that other stadiums such as the one in Tripoli also meet the requirements to be prepared to host international matches.
Libya captain Faisal Ali Albadari said it is a good feeling to play international football at home. “We are very happy that we are finally playing at home. Yes, it is sad that fans still cannot come and fill the stadium due to the challenges of COVID-19, but we are happy with this development, ”added Albadari, who is part of El-Hilal in the Libyan Premier League.
Omar Malik, a Libyan soccer fan, said he was glad that the CAF had finally authorized Libya to host matches. “We have missed watching international football for many years. It is not easy to follow our teams all the time on television, “he added.
Although just over 300 fans came to the stadium to cheer on the Libyan team, many across the country were glued to their televisions to celebrate the moment.
LFF General Secretary Abdunnaser Ahmed summed it up by saying it was like a party hosting international football again after seven years. “It feels so good to see the boys at home. I know that we still have a lot to do to improve and promote football in Libya, “he added.
