Libyans Celebrate Return Of International Matches

Libyan soccer fans are celebrating the first international matches played since the conflict that ousted former strongman, Muammar Gaddafi.

CSKA Sofia, the 31-times Bulgarian champions, were the first foreign team to play in Libya after the uprising against Gaddafi’s rule erupted on February 17 last year.

Although the “Benina Martyrs” stadium in the eastern city of Benghazi was not full, about 1,000 Libyan men, women and children came to support the two home sides Al Ahli Tripoli and Al Nasr Benghazi.

“We feel more comfortable now. We watched football matches without interest during the revolution. But it is different now and it feels great.” A Libyan fan, Saad Mohammed al-Breghathy, said, “I wish the Libyan national team all the best as well for Libyan football in general.”

Waving the red, green and black flag of Libya’s new National Transitional Council, as well as those for local teams, the crowd watched three 45-minute games, cheering loudly when the first goal by Al Ahli Tripoli was scored.

Al Ahli Tripoli beat CSKA Sofia 1-0 but the Bulgarian team went on to beat Al Nasr Benghazi 1-0 in the second match. The two Libyan teams then played each other, with Al Nasr Benghazi beating Al Ahli Tripoli 1-0.

During the game, men in the crowd beat drums as the crowd chanted slogans such as “Raise the Libyan flag” and “Whether you like it or not, Benghazi was the spark”, referring to the start of Libyan uprising in the eastern city, which lies about 1,000 km from the capital Tripoli.

The crowd set off small fireworks during the breaks and sang Libya’s national anthem.