Late winner keeps Libya’s Africa Cup dreams alive

Libya kept their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification hopes alive with a crucial 1-0 victory over Rwanda on Thursday.

Fahd Al-Masmari struck the decisive goal in the 85th minute, giving the Mediterranean Knights their first win of the campaign.

The result moves Libya to fourth place with four points, just one point behind Rwanda in a tightly contested Group A. Nigeria leads the group with 10 points, while Benin sits second with six points.

Libya’s path to qualification remains complex. They need Nigeria to win their remaining fixtures against both Benin and Rwanda, while also requiring a victory in their own final qualifier against Benin on Monday.

If these results materialise, Libya would secure their return to Africa’s premier football tournament for the first time since 2012.

The victory marks a significant turnaround for Libya, who had struggled in their earlier qualifiers but have now given themselves a chance of reaching the finals in Morocco.