Aliou Cissé’s tenure as Libya’s head coach began in frustrating fashion as his side conceded a stoppage-time equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Angola in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The match, held at the Martyrs Stadium in Benghazi on Thursday, saw Libya take the lead in the closing stages, only to be denied victory in dramatic fashion.
Libya started brightly, testing Angola’s goalkeeper Neblu early on, but the visitors soon responded with their own attacking intent.
Zini struck the post, while Libyan goalkeeper Ahmed Azzaqah was forced into action to deny a powerful effort from Fredy.
The Knights of the Mediterranean also came close before the interval, hitting the woodwork in a tightly contested first half.
The second half saw a drop in clear-cut chances, with Libya enjoying more possession but struggling to break down a resolute Angolan defense.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute when Muaid Ellafi headed home a precise cross from Mohammed Salih Ali, moments after both players had been introduced by Cissé.
The goal sent the home crowd into raptures, with flares igniting in celebration as Ellafi removed his shirt in a jubilant display.
However, Libya failed to capitalize on their momentum, with Salih Ali missing a golden opportunity to double the lead.
As Angola intensified their efforts in search of an equalizer, Libya’s defense came under mounting pressure.
Deep into stoppage time, Fredy delivered a stunning direct corner kick that curled past Azzaqah, silencing the home supporters and rescuing a point for Angola in the 93rd minute.
Tensions flared in the final moments, with Libyan players appealing for a late penalty, but the referee waved play on before calling time on an emotionally charged encounter.
Projectiles were thrown from the stands as frustrations boiled over among the home supporters.
With the draw, Group D remains fiercely contested, with just three points separating table-toppers Cape Verde from fourth-placed Angola.
Libya, now third with eight points, will turn their attention to a crucial away fixture against Cameroon on Tuesday, while Angola prepares for a high-stakes clash with Cape Verde, who edged past Mauritius 1-0 earlier in the day.
CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers – Group D standings
| # | Team | Pts | P | W | D | L | GD | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cape Verde | 10 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| 2 | Cameroon | 9 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 9 | 3 |
| 3 | Libya | 8 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| 4 | Angola | 7 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| 5 | Mauritius | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -4 | 3 | 7 |
| 6 | Eswatini | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | -5 | 1 | 6 |
Libya’s World Cup qualification hopes remain alive, but Cissé’s side will need a strong performance in Yaoundé to keep pace in the race for a spot at the 2026 tournament.
Fredy fez assim o empate de Angola nos descontos 😍#sporttvportugal #FUTEBOLnaSPORTTV #QualificaçãoMundial #Líbia #Angola pic.twitter.com/WfHUWA13yt
— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) March 20, 2025
