MTNFootball

Libya has never reached the World Cup finals, but have twice participated in the African Cup of Nations. It must however be taken into consideration that Libya did not enter a team until 1966, when they subsequently withdrew, which they also did in 1982, 1990, while in 1994 the team was disqualified due to UN sanctions against the country.

The national team’s proudest moment undoubtedly came in 1982, when they hosting the African Cup of Nations and finished as losing finalists, going down 7-6 on penalties to Ghana after the match had ended in a 1-1 draw.

‘The Greens’ also took part in the Egypt 2006 African Cup on Nations finals, failing to advance past the first round, but still putting up decent performances against the hosts, as well as the Ivory Coast and Morocco. They will not take part in the 2010 World or African Cups, having finished third (behind Ghana and Gabon) in their qualifying group, but Libya will again host the continental showdown in 2014.

With little, or even no exceptions, all the national team players ply their trade in the local league.

Their Premier League is full professional and is ranked the 28th best in the world, and fourth best in Arab countries. Historically, the league has been dominated by teams from the capital city – Tripoli.

Al Ittihad Tripoli, who have won every title since 2005, have won the league 15 times, while Al Ahly Tripoli have lifted the trophy on ten occasions, although the last time was in 2000. Libya’s most recent FIFA ranking sees them in 120th position.

FIFA World Rankings

Country	Updated 21 Jan
64 Poland	1
65 Libya	-3
66 Cape Verde	25

Africa Rankings

Country	Updated 21 Jan
12 Sierra Leone	5
13 Libya	-3
14 Cape Verde	25

Team Info

Team History