Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 18, 2024 at 4pm UK

11 June Stadium

Libyavs.Benin

Match preview

After a bit of a rollercoaster in AFCON qualifying, the Mediterranean Knights got a bit of a break with a narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda in match five.

Fahad Al Mesmari's goal in the 84th minute not only gave the North African nation their first win in Group D, but also kept their slim chances of making it to Morocco next year alive.

Even though they only had four points from five games (Nigeria were given a 3-0 win after their team was stranded in Benghazi last month), Libya are only one point behind third-placed Rwanda and three behind their second-placed opponents.

Even though Nasser Al-Hadhiri's team has a worse goal difference, if they win comfortably, they'll finish above Benin because of the competition's priority tiebreakers: points in head-to-head matches between tied teams, goal difference in head-to-head matches and goals scored in head-to-head matches.

Libya lost 2-1 in the reverse fixture, but they'll be confident of doing better and beating Benin.

If Rohr's team had seen off the Super Eagles' challenge on Thursday, Monday's match could have been nothing but a formality.

The Cheetahs played better than the three-time African champions in difficult weather conditions, creating problems for them in open play and especially from set-pieces.

They were already 1-0 up in the 16th minute thanks to Mohamed Tijani, and they were just nine minutes away from making it to the finals for the fifth time. But then Victor Osimhen scored with nine minutes to go.

So, the bottom line for Rohr's team is that they need to avoid a loss in Libya to guarantee qualification, regardless of what happens in Nigeria when Rwanda visits.

Even though Benin are two points ahead of Rwanda, they have a better goal difference against the Wasps. They won the home leg 3-0 and lost 2-1 in the away match.

While they could still advance if they lose in Tripoli, Rohr will require help from old friends in West Africa — Nigeria avoiding a loss to Rwanda — to secure the Cheetahs their spot at the continental showpiece.

Recent Performance

Libya Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:DLLW

Libya form (all competitions):LDLLLW

Benin Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:LWWLD

Benin form (all competitions):WWLLDD

Team News

Noureddine Al Gleib has scored two of Libya's three goals in qualifying, and the 23-year-old is hoping to play a big part in the Mediterranean Knights' make-or-break qualifier.

Mourad Al Wuhayshi was on form in the North African nation's win over Rwanda, making six saves in the 1-0 success. The goalkeeper is hoping to do the same when called upon on Monday.

Junior Olaitan was Benin's standout player against Nigeria, creating three chances and setting up the Cheetahs' goal. He's aiming to build on that performance.

Even though the winger is a threat, Rohr's top goalscorers in AFCON qualifying are Steve Mounie and Andreas Hountondji (two each). They're hoping to add to their tallies against Libya.

Possible starting lineup

Libya possible starting lineup:

Al Wuhayshi; Saleh, Yusuf, Abusahmin; Salama, Al Shreimy, Hasan, Al Mabrouk; Al Gleib, Al Mariami, Almeehoub

Benin possible starting lineup:

Dandjinou; Moumini, Roche, Tijani, Ouorou; D'Almeida, Imourane; Tosin, Dodo, Olaitan; Mounie