Can Marcos Paqueta inspire the Mediterranean Knights to something positive this month?
Libya’s best memory dates from 1982
Despite joining CAF as a member in 1965, Libya’s national team has tasted Nations Cup football only a few times. The 1982 African Cup of Nations marks, until now, the country’s greatest accomplishment on the continent.
Having qualified as hosts of the tournament, the Mediterranean Knights had the honour to compete against the likes of African powerhouses Ghana, Tunisia and Cameroon. The Libyans claimed strong results.
They went that close to upsetting the Black Stars but Opoku Nti’s late goal cancelled out Fawzi Al-Esawi’s strike as the game ended 2-2. Libya snatched a 2-0 win over Tunisia at the 11 June Stadium on Matchday 2, then did just enough against Cameroon to claim the top spot in Group A.
In the semi-finals, the Mediterranean Knights staged a comeback to oust Zambia on a 2-1 score line. The Libyans faced Ghana again in the final.
Alhassan put the Black Stars into the lead and Beshari helped Libya retaliate 20 minutes from time. However, the game remained 1-1 as a penalty shoot out was needed to declare the winners. Libya lost 7-6 in a dramatic end to the 2982 AFCON.
For many different reasons, the Libyan national team only returned to the Nations Cup’s scene in 2006. This time, they drew Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco and host country Egypt.
The Libyans suffered a 3-0 mauling against the Pharaohs in the opening match. They played out a goalless draw against Morocco after losing to Ivory Coast. With these poor results, Libya exited CAN 2006 at the earliest stage.
Libya at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations
While they await to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, the Libyans are preparing for the 28th edition of the championship to be held in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. They will be making their third appearance only.
The task ahead of the Mediterranean Knights is tough. Don’t expect Senegal and Zambia to relax in Group A. Once again, they will feature in the competition’s opening game. Will they spoil Equatorial Guinea’s party?
Libya's 2012 AFCON squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Samir Aboud, Juma Gtat, Mohammed Nashnoush
Defenders: Ahmed Al Alwany, Younes Al Chibani, Rabii Al Lafi, Mohammed Al Maghribi, Abdulaziz Belreesh, Ossama Chtiba, Ali Salama
Midfielders: Gamal Abdullah, Ousamma Abdelsalam, Faisal Al Badri, Walid Al Khatroushi, Mootaz Ben Ameur, Abubaker Laabidi, Marouane Mabrouk, Mohammed Mounir, Ahmed Saad, Mohammed Sanaani, Abdullah Sharif
Forwards: Iheb Boussifi, Ahmed Zuway
Read next team profile - Mali.
