Libya defeat Eswatini to keep World Cup qualification hopes alive under Aliou Cissé

Libya strengthened their World Cup qualification ambitions with a 2-0 victory over Eswatini on Monday evening, earning a second consecutive win under coach Aliou Cissé and keeping their play-off hopes alive.

Just days after edging Angola 1-0, the Knights of the Mediterranean continued their resurgence with another composed display, this time on home soil at the Benghazi International Stadium.

The result, secured through first-half strikes from Muad Abdulbasit Salem Eisa and Ezzeddin Amer Faraj El Maremi, has moved the Libyan side closer to the top two positions in their group.

Early Goals Set the Tone

The hosts wasted little time in asserting control. Backed by an enthusiastic home crowd, Libya found the breakthrough inside eight minutes when Muad Abdulbasit Salem Eisa capitalised on a defensive lapse to open the scoring.

Their advantage was doubled shortly after, with Ezzeddin Amer Faraj El Maremi finishing a flowing move in the 19th minute to give Cissé’s men a commanding lead before the break.

Eswatini, rooted to the bottom of the group, offered little resistance and struggled to cope with the energy and organisation of their opponents. Libya maintained their structure and managed the game efficiently in the second half, ensuring the two early goals proved enough to seal the win.

A Tight Race at the Top

The victory keeps Libya firmly in contention in a group that remains finely balanced. With the latest result, the North Africans have consolidated third place, now sitting just one point behind Cameroon on 15 and two behind leaders Cape Verde on 16.

The stakes are set to rise even higher as Cape Verde and Cameroon meet on Tuesday in a fixture that could heavily influence the outcome of the group. For Libya, the focus turns to their remaining matches against Cape Verde and Mauritius.

While the path is challenging, the possibility of reaching the play-offs remains within reach, and Cissé’s men are determined to maintain pressure on their rivals.

Cissé’s Impact

Aliou Cissé’s arrival has provided an immediate lift for Libya. The former Senegal coach, who guided the Lions of Teranga to continental success, has quickly instilled discipline and belief in a squad that had been searching for consistency.

Two wins in succession have not only revived qualification hopes but also given Libyan supporters a renewed sense of optimism about the team’s direction.

The coach’s tactical approach has emphasised defensive stability coupled with quick attacking transitions, a formula that has so far delivered positive results.

His ability to get the best out of key players has been evident, with Libya producing sharper, more cohesive performances since his appointment.

Looking Ahead

Libya’s challenge now is to sustain their momentum against stronger opposition. The meeting with Cape Verde promises to be decisive, while the fixture against Mauritius represents another opportunity to collect vital points.

With the margins so slim, every goal and every result will be critical in determining whether Libya can secure a play-off place.

For now, Cissé’s men can take pride in their progress. The two back-to-back victories have confirmed that Libya remain contenders in a group where qualification is still up for grabs.

With belief growing and a coach with proven pedigree at the helm, the Knights of the Mediterranean continue to dream of booking their place on football’s biggest stage.