Libya’s national team is set for a fresh start in 2026, with seven players from the domestic Premier League reportedly guaranteed places in the squad for the upcoming March international window in Morocco.
The Mediterranean Knights will face Niger and Benin in two friendly matches, fixtures viewed as a crucial step in rebuilding confidence ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Supporters in Tripoli are eagerly awaiting the official squad announcement, largely because the March camp marks Libya’s first appearance of the new year.
The team has not been in action since their defeat to Palestine in Doha last November, a loss that ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Arab Cup and compounded a difficult period for the national side.
According to sources close to the team, head coach Aliou Cissé has already settled on a core group of locally based players who have impressed in the domestic league.
Leading that group is Al Ahli Tripoli forward Azzou Al Marimi, the current top scorer in the Libyan Premier League with seven goals, and the coach’s preferred option to spearhead the attack.
Cissé is also expected to rely on Al Ahli Tripoli goalkeeper Ayman Al Tihar, while defensive stability will come from Al Ittihad’s Talal Farhat, Abdelaziz Al Sowai’i of Al Ahli Tripoli, and Al Ahli Benghazi defender Fadel Salama, whose move to Al Ittihad is believed to be imminent.
Midfield options include Al Nasr’s Muhannad Ito, who has enjoyed an impressive campaign with four league goals, and Al Ittihad’s Mahmoud Al Shalwi, revitalised under new coach Khaled Ben Yahia and already on three goals this season.
Libya endured a frustrating 2025, failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, the World Cup, and the Arab Cup, leaving fans disillusioned.
However, there is renewed hope that a stronger domestic core, blended with overseas talent, can help restore the team’s competitiveness.
With the 2027 AFCON finals scheduled for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Libyan supporters are desperate to see an end to a long absence from the continental stage.
The Mediterranean Knights have not featured at the tournament since 2012, and the upcoming friendlies in Morocco are seen as the first meaningful step towards changing that narrative.
