Libya and Rwanda played to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group D match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Wednesday. The match, held at the June 11 Stadium in Tripoli, saw both teams showcasing moments of brilliance as they battled for an early advantage in the qualification race.
Libya opened the scoring in the 16th minute when defender Al Dhawi capitalized on a defensive lapse by Rwanda, giving the hosts a much-needed early lead.
The goal settled the home side as they sought to take control of the game.
Despite the early setback, Rwanda gradually grew into the match, dominating possession and pushing forward in search of an equalizer.
Rwanda’s persistence was evident as they began to press Libya’s defense, forcing several key saves from the home team’s goalkeeper.
However, Libya held firm throughout the first half, maintaining their slim 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
The second half began with a shift in momentum as Rwanda intensified their efforts to equalize.
Their persistence paid off in the 47th minute when striker Nshuti scored a crucial goal to level the match at 1-1.
The equalizer came just minutes into the second half and was the result of excellent build-up play and precision passing that broke down Libya’s defense.
Rwanda’s performance was marked by an earlier substitution in the 41st minute, when Guellette replaced Kwizera, a move that provided a fresh attacking spark for the visitors.
Guellette’s introduction added energy to Rwanda’s attack, and the team looked increasingly dangerous as the game progressed.
Both sides had opportunities to secure a victory, but neither could find the back of the net again, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.
Rwanda’s resilience in coming back from a goal down was commendable, while Libya will be left to reflect on a match in which they failed to capitalize on their early lead.
The result leaves both teams with a point each in Group D, which also includes Nigeria and Benin Republic.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face Benin Republic in the second Group D encounter, a match that will further shape the landscape of the qualification race.
As the qualifiers continue, Rwanda and Libya will both be looking to build on this result, while Nigeria and Benin Republic prepare for their opening match in what promises to be a fiercely competitive group.
