Libya’s national football team, under the guidance of Senegalese coach Aliou Cissé, has reinforced its roster with a fresh addition in a strategic move ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifying match.
Ahmed Saleh, a promising defender from Al-Akhdar SC, has been called up to join the Mediterranean Knights as they prepare for their critical encounter with Cameroon, scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
The news of Saleh’s inclusion was reported by Libya Al-Ahrar TV on Friday, March 21, signaling Cissé’s intent to strengthen his defensive options.
This decision comes in the wake of Libya’s recent 1-1 draw against Angola, a result that prevented them from claiming the top spot in their qualifying group .
Currently, Libya finds itself in a tightly contested Group D of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The team sits in third place with 8 points, trailing Cape Verde, who lead the group with 10 points, and Cameroon, who hold second place with 9 points. This narrow point spread underscores the critical nature of the upcoming match against Cameroon .
The addition of Ahmed Saleh to the squad is seen as a strategic move by Coach Cissé, who took charge of the Libyan national team in early March 2025.
Cissé, renowned for his successful tenure with Senegal, including leading them to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, is tasked with ending Libya’s 12-year absence from major international tournaments .
Saleh, a 24-year-old midfielder turned defender, has been making waves with his performances for Al-Akhdar SC in the Libyan Premier League.
His versatility and recent form have caught the eye of the national team selectors, leading to this crucial call-up .
The upcoming match against Cameroon, set to take place at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo in Douala, is more than just another qualifier.
It represents a golden opportunity for Libya to leapfrog their opponents in the group standings and potentially claim the top spot, depending on other results.
