Libya has officially qualified for the quarterfinals of the 2025 African Minifootball Cup, joining six other teams in advancing past the group stage of the tournament currently being held in Derna.
The host nation delivered strong performances across the first two rounds, securing its place in the final eight alongside Chad, Morocco, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania, and Guinea.
The tournament, hosted at Derna International Stadium, has drawn enthusiastic local support and showcased Libya’s capacity to organize regional sporting events under challenging circumstances. Sixteen teams from across Africa are competing in this year’s edition, with Libya’s presence and progression energizing home fans and amplifying national pride.
One final spot remains in the quarterfinal lineup. It will be determined on Saturday, when Tanzania faces South Africa in a decisive Group C match. Both teams are still in contention and evenly matched, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter. South Africa, the defending champions, must win or draw to stay in the competition, while Tanzania hopes to clinch a historic qualification.
This edition marks the fourth African Minifootball Cup, and it comes at a time of rising interest in the fast-paced, small-sided version of football across the continent. The tournament in Derna has not only delivered exciting matches but has also served as a symbol of resilience and recovery for a city often associated with crisis rather than celebration.