Libya and Benin played out a tense goalless draw in their final Group D encounter of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at the Martyrs of February Stadium.
The game began with both teams seeking to impose themselves early. Libya came close in the third minute when Fadel Salama’s right-footed shot was saved by Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
Benin responded swiftly, with Tamimou Ouorou and Steve Mounié testing the Libyan defense, though their efforts failed to hit the target.
As the first half progressed, the physical nature of the game became apparent. Several fouls disrupted the rhythm, with Mohamed Tijani of Benin and Elbahlul Abusahmin of Libya receiving yellow cards for reckless challenges. Benin’s Aiyegun Tosin nearly broke the deadlock late in the half, hitting the crossbar with a header in the 46th minute.
The second half saw a similar pattern of play, with both teams showing attacking intent but lacking precision in the final third.
Libya’s Ali Yousef Musrati was particularly active, missing a header in the 93rd minute and forcing a late save from Dandjinou in stoppage time.
Benin’s Steve Mounié also had opportunities, including a well-hit shot in the 77th minute, but Libyan goalkeeper Ahmed Azzaqah remained vigilant.
The game descended into chaos in the final stages, with a series of yellow cards issued for reckless tackles. Benin’s Sessi D’Almeida, Andréas Hountondji, and Steve Mounié were all booked, while Libya’s Ahmed Saleh and Fahd Saad Mohamed also saw yellow.
Despite a combined 16 attempts between the two teams, neither could convert, with both goalkeepers making crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Substitutions brought fresh legs into the fray, but the lack of cohesion in the final third ensured the match ended in a stalemate.
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