Libya will play in Algeria their fifth CAF TotalEnergies African Nations Championship. The Mediterranean Knights, winners of the 2014 edition, will try to shine once again on Algerian soil for a second title.
During the 2020 edition, the Libyans were ranked last in their group with only 2 points after draws against Niger and DR Congo and a defeat against Congo.
This time, Ali Salama’s teammates will play in group A alongside hosts Algeria. They will also face Mozambique and Ethiopia.
Match schedule:
13 January: Algeria – Libya, 17:00 local time, Baraki Stadium
17 January: Libya – Mozambique, 17:00 local time, Baraki Stadium
21 January: Ethiopia – Libya, 20:00 local time, Stade d’Annaba
*Coach: Corentin Martins
The former French international took over the reins of the Libyan national team last April. After seven years in charge of Mauritania, Martins joined the Mediterranean Knights with the firm intention of doing well at the TotalEnergies CHAN 2022 and the TotalEnergies AFCON 2023. The former Auxerre player’s task will not be an easy one, as he will have to face the tournament hosts, the Desert Foxes, from the outset.
*Players to watch;
Anis Seltou
Birth : 1 April 1992
Position: Forward
Club: Ahli de Tripoli
Sanad El Ouarfali
Birth :17 May 1992
Position: Defender
Club: Al Ittihad
Ali Salama
Born: 18 September 1987
Position: Defender
Club: Al Nasr
*Libya at CHAN
The Mediterranean Knights are regular participants at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship. This will be their fifth appearance in Algeria. The Libyans participated in the first tournament in 2009 where they were eliminated in the first round.
After missing the 2011 edition, the Libyans took part in the 2014 edition in South Africa. Al Maghasi’s teammates won the trophy by beating Ghana in the final (0-0, PSO 4-3).
In 2016, the Libyans missed again the TotalEnergies CHAN in Rwanda.
In 2018 and 2021 the “greens” could not find the right way to go far in the competition.
*Participations and successes in CAF Interclubs
Al Ittihad, Al Ahli or Al Nasr are the most popular clubs in Libya. These clubs regularly participate in CAF interclub competitions.