On October 14, Libya is set to face Algeria in Blida in a crucial qualification match for CAN 2013. Eight months after their remarkable participation in the continental event in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, the Knights of the Mediterranean have a singular ambition – to stand tall against the formidable Fennecs.
Libya’s journey to CAN 2012 qualification was deemed almost miraculous, given the challenges posed by the Arab Spring. Against the backdrop of a difficult period, scenes of joy erupted in Tripoli and Benghazi as the Knights of the Mediterranean secured their spot in the tournament through well-executed qualifications.
In Bata, Equatorial Guinea, last January, under the guidance of Brazilian coach Marcos Paqueta, the Libyan players exceeded expectations. They notably contributed to the upset of stronger teams, including holding Senegal to a 2-2 draw. Although they were eliminated in the first round, they returned home with pride. Subsequently, their pursuit of success continued in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, where Ahmed Saad and his teammates currently lead their group ahead of Cameroon and DR Congo.
An additional challenge for Libya has been the necessity to play most of their matches away due to socio-political instability. Despite this adversity and the loss of several key players linked to the regime of Muammar Gaddafi, the team has consistently gathered points and secured victories.
Looking at the players’ resumes, the most prominent figure abroad is defender Mohamed Mounir, who plays in Serbia at FK Sagodina. The team’s structure has remained relatively stable since the CAN, with the only significant movement being the departure of striker Ahmed al-Zwei from Club Bizertin in Tunisia to Qatar this summer.
Currently ranked 53rd in the FIFA rankings for October, Libya stands as a symbol of nations marked by years of war but resiliently rebuilding through the power of sport, particularly football. As Didier Drogba emphasized in a recent interview with FIFA.com, sport, and football in particular, serves as a unifying force for such nations. Whether or not Libya prevails against Algeria, the sense of accomplishment remains crucial, showcasing the nation’s resilience and progress in the face of adversity.
