Libya’s Premier League clubs have seized upon a new decision by the Football Association, issued at the end of January, allowing clubs to contract players of Sudanese nationality, considering them local rather than foreign players.
This marks the first decision of its kind by an Arab or African federation regarding Sudanese players, following the suspension of sports activities in Sudan since last April due to the country’s unstable security situation.
Libyan league clubs have welcomed a record number of Sudanese football stars, with up to 10 players from the Sudanese national team joining the ranks of Libya’s strongest clubs during the past winter transfer window.
Never in its long history, which spans over 60 years, has the Libyan league featured such a large number of Sudanese players in a single season.
Previously, clubs predominantly relied on Tunisian players to bolster their squads.
Several Sudanese players have previously played professionally in the Libyan league.
Among the most notable are Ahmed El Basha, who played for Al Nasr Benghazi after his tenure with Al Merreikh, and Samani Al-Sawwi, who experienced professional football with Al Ittihad Tripoli.
Additionally, Walid Hassan, who played for Al Ittihad Al-Iskandary before joining Al Taawoun.
Libya’s premier and first division league teams have bolstered their ranks with a remarkable array of Sudanese football talent.
Al Nasr secured the services of the dynamic duo from Al Merreikh and the Sudanese national team, left-back Bakheet Khamees and young striker Jouli Nouh.
Similarly, Al Swehly strengthened its squad with Ahmed Hamed El-Tash, the playmaker from Al Merreikh, and his compatriot Sufyan Abdullah, formerly of Hay Al Arab.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli Tripoli signed midfielder Ammar Kamal El-Din Tayfour from Al Merreikh and striker Eid Maqdam from Rayon Sport of Rwanda.
Additionally, Al Sadaka signed striker John Manu from Al Hilal, while Al Ittihad Al-Misrati recruited international defender Ahmed Musa “Tambesh” from Al Ahli Khartoum.
Positive Aspects of Sudanese Professionals in Libyan League
The presence of Sudanese players in the Libyan league offers three key benefits.
Firstly, the Libyan audience eagerly anticipates the contribution of Sudanese players to the development of the league’s technical level.
Additionally, the sizable Sudanese community in Libyan cities is expected to increase local league attendance, particularly in support of clubs featuring Sudanese football stars.
Moreover, playing in the Libyan league provides a talent pool for Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, coach of the Sudanese national team, competing in the African World Cup 2026 qualifiers in Group 2.
Sudan currently sits second in the group with 4 points, trailing Senegal by goal difference.
Their upcoming match in the World Cup qualifiers in June will be away against Mauritania.
