Following ongoing unrest in Libya, the national team has been unable to host matches on home soil for some time, playing its fixtures in Tunisian stadiums instead. However, reports suggest that the Libyan Football Federation is considering a change of venue for upcoming international matches. According to the website Kawarji, Libya may now choose Morocco as its temporary base for home games.
This potential move would affect matches in both the 2020 CHAN qualifiers and the 2021 AFCON qualifiers. During the CHAN 2020 campaign, Tunisia is set to host Libya on September 20, with the return leg scheduled for October 18, which could now be played in Morocco rather than Tunisia. The change of venue is intended to ensure safety and proper organization for the visiting team and the matches themselves.
For the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Tunisia is scheduled to face Libya at home between November 11 and 19, 2019, with the second round of the qualification matches set to take place between October 5 and 13, 2020. Should Libya confirm Morocco as its base, all future “home” fixtures for the team will likely be held there, providing a secure environment amid continuing instability in the country.
This decision reflects the broader challenges faced by Libyan football due to political unrest and security concerns, which have prevented the Eagles of Carthage from hosting international matches domestically. Relocating to Morocco would allow the team to continue competing in continental competitions while ensuring the safety of players, staff, and officials.
With both CHAN and AFCON qualifiers approaching, the logistical adjustments will be crucial for the Libyan team, as it adapts to playing “home” games abroad. Meanwhile, Tunisia, as the scheduled opponent in these fixtures, will also need to prepare for travel and match arrangements in light of any confirmed venue changes.
In conclusion, Libya’s potential shift to Morocco for upcoming qualifiers underscores the ongoing impact of domestic instability on football in the country. By relocating, the Libyan Football Federation aims to provide a safe and professional environment for its national team, ensuring that the Eagles of Carthage can compete effectively in both CHAN 2020 and AFCON 2021 qualifiers despite the challenges at home.
