Aliou Cissé has unveiled his first squad as head coach of the Libyan national team, just a day after his appointment was officially confirmed.
The former Senegal boss, who led the Teranga Lions to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2022, has now taken charge of the Knights of the Mediterranean.
His first task will be guiding Libya through two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, starting with a home fixture against Angola on March 20 in Benghazi, followed by an away clash against Cameroon on March 25.
A squad dominated by domestic-based players
Cissé’s inaugural squad features a strong contingent of players from Libya’s domestic league, reflecting the nation’s reliance on homegrown talent.
Despite his efforts to recall AS Monaco midfielder Moatasem Al-Musrati to the national team, the player remains firm in his decision to step away from international duty.
Similarly, defender Daniel Elfadli is not included in the selection.
Libya currently sits second in Group D of the World Cup qualifiers, trailing Cameroon by just one point.
With a strong performance in the upcoming matches, Cissé’s side could strengthen their bid for a historic World Cup qualification.
Full Libya squad for March international fiixtures
Goalkeepers:
- Murad Al-Wahishi (Al-Ahly Benghazi)
- Mohamed Ayad (Abu Salim)
- Ahmed Ayad (Al-Tahadi)
Defenders:
- Ali Youssef (Club Africain, Tunisia)
- Majdi Artiba (Al-Akhdar)
- Sobhi Al-Mabrouk (Al-Ittihad)
- Al-Mahdi Al-Kout (Al-Suwaihli)
- Mohamed Al-Shtiwi (Al-Hilal)
- Sand Bin Ali (Al-Ittihad)
- Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain (Al-Ahly Benghazi)
- Taher Bin Amer (Al-Ittihad)
Midfielders:
- Mutassim Sabbou (Olympic Azzawiya SC)
- Faisal Al-Badri (Al-Hilal)
- Hamza Al-Maqsi (Olympic Azzawiya SC)
- Badr Hassan (Al-Nasr)
- Abdullah Daqo (Al-Ahly Benghazi)
- Muhannad Eto’o (Al-Madina)
- Osama Al-Sharimi (Al-Suwaihli)
- Abdulaziz Al-Suwai’i (Al-Ahly Tripoli)
Forwards:
- Omar Al-Khoja (Al-Suwaihli)
- Ahmed Saad (Al-Hilal)
- Al-Abbasi (Al-Suwaihli)
- Fadel Salama (Al-Ahly Benghazi)
- Taha Al-Shalawi (Al-Hilal)
- Moayad Al-Lafi (Al-Ahly Tripoli)
- Mohamed Soula (Al-Qadisiyah, Kuwait)
- Fahad Al-Masmari (Club Africain, Tunisia)
- Azou Al-Mariami (Al-Hilal)
- Ahmed Karwa (Al-Ahly Tripoli)
- Anas Al-Masrati (Al-Taawoun, Saudi Arabia)
Cissé’s appointment signals a new era for Libyan football, and the upcoming fixtures will provide the first real test of his ability to transform the team.
With a chance to overtake Cameroon at the top of the group, the stakes are high as Libya embarks on its World Cup qualification journey under new leadership.
