Libya’s national football team kept its World Cup hopes alive after clinching a hard-fought 1–0 win against Angola on Thursday evening in the seventh round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Mediterranean Knights struck early in the second half when Azeddine Al-Marimi found the back of the net in the 48th minute. His goal proved decisive, handing Libya three precious points and renewing optimism that the team can remain in contention for a place at football’s biggest stage.
The win lifted Libya to 11 points in Group D, where they currently sit in third place. They trail Cameroon, who have 12 points and face bottom-ranked Eswatini later, while Cape Verde lead the group with 16 points. Angola, meanwhile, remain stuck on 7 points in fourth place.
Though the path to qualification remains challenging, the victory in Luanda has given Libya new momentum. To keep their hopes alive, the team must continue to win in the remaining fixtures and hope that direct rivals Cape Verde or Cameroon drop points.
The performance against Angola showcased Libya’s determination and resilience under pressure. Al-Marimi’s decisive strike, coupled with a disciplined defensive display, ensured that the Mediterranean Knights returned home with one of their most important results of the campaign.
Libyan fans celebrated the win passionately, seeing it as proof that the national team still has a fighting chance to reach the World Cup for the first time in its history. The result has also reignited belief within the squad, who know that every game from now on will be a final.
