When Mouad Issa tapped in the 8th minute, the Libya national football team jumped into a 1‑0 lead that set the tone for a decisive World Cup qualification win over Eswatini on September 8, 2025. The clash took place at 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF Qualifiers – Group D matchMarch 28 Stadium, Benghazi, and ended 2‑0 thanks to a second strike from Ezzeddine Al Mariami in the 19th minute. The result left Libya perched on 11 points in third place, while Eswatini remained winless.
Background to Group D and Libya’s Campaign
Group D has been a roller‑coaster. Cape Verde Islands sit atop with 16 points, followed closely by Cameroon on 15. Libya entered the Benghazi showdown with three wins, two draws and two losses – a perfectly balanced record that kept their hopes alive but far from secure. Eswatini, by contrast, had drawn twice and lost five times, leaving them with a mere two points and a goal‑difference of ‑8.
The stakes were clear: Libya needed a win to stay within touching distance of the top two spots, while Eswatini’s only realistic aim was to avoid a humiliating finish. The match also mattered for the broader CAF picture, where a handful of teams are still mathematically in contention for the 2026 World Cup.
Match Overview: Early Goals and Tactical Setup
Libya deployed a 3‑2‑2 formation, sacrificing width for compactness in the midfield. The plan paid off almost immediately. In the 8th minute, Mouad Issa collected a low cross on the left flank, slipped past the Eswatini back‑line and slotted home with a precise finish. The crowd at March 28 Stadium erupted, and the momentum swung in Libya’s favour.
Just eleven minutes later, Ezzeddine Al Mariami found space in the box after a quick one‑two with the midfield pivot. His header curled past the Eswatini keeper, making it 2‑0 and effectively sealing the half‑time lead.
Eswatini tried to regroup, shifting to a more defensive 4‑4‑2, but the midfield congestion left them starved of service. The halftime whistle – blown by referee Adal Bio – confirmed a comfortable lead for the hosts.
Key Moments and Player Performances
- 8' – Goal: Mouad Issa capitalises on an early corner.
- 19' – Goal: Ezzeddine Al Mariami heads in a cross from the right.
- 80' – Substitution: Mohammed Alajnaf replaces Fadel Salama to shore up the midfield.
- 83' – Substitution: Mayibongwe Mabuza comes on for Innocent Dlamini in a last‑ditch attempt to spark Eswatini.
- 80' – Card: Libyan defender Sobhi Al Dawi booked for a tactical foul.
The second half saw Libya hold possession, with occasional forays into the Eswatini half. Goalkeeper Shabala (Eswatini) was tested several times, notably a close‑range effort in the 85th minute that forced a reflex save. A minor scare occurred when Shabala appeared to limp, but he stayed on his feet, earning applause from the home crowd.
Reactions from Coaches and Analysts
Libya’s head coach, Ahmed Al‑Mousa, praised his team’s discipline: “We stuck to the game plan, kept the shape, and the early goals gave us the breathing room we needed. The boys showed character in the second half.”
Eswatini’s manager, Thabiso Dlamini, admitted frustration: “It’s a tough pill to swallow. We created chances but lacked the cutting edge. The result puts us out of the qualifying picture, but we’ll regroup for the remaining fixtures.”
Regional analyst Samuel Kuffour of CAF noted, “Libya’s win keeps the race for the final two World Cup spots wide open. Cape Verde and Cameroon still dominate, but a slip‑up from either could open a door for Libya.”
Implications for the Qualification Race
With two matches left, Libya must aim for maximum points to challenge Cameroon’s 15 and Cape Verde’s 16. A win against Angola in the next round could see Libya jump to 14, putting pressure on the leaders.
Eswatini’s elimination is now all but certain. Even if they win their remaining games, the maximum points they could reach is eight – far short of the top two spots. The team will likely use the remaining fixtures to rebuild for future tournaments.
For CAF, the group remains one of the most competitive, highlighting the growing parity among African nations. The next match days promise high drama, especially if Cameroon or Cape Verde stumble.
What Comes Next for Libya and Eswatini
Libya travels to Angola on October 3, 2025. A positive result there could catapult them into the final showdown with Cameroon. The coaching staff has already hinted at a tactical tweak, deploying a more attacking midfielder to exploit Angola’s high line.
Eswatini heads to Mauritius on the same day, seeking pride rather than qualification. Coach Thabiso Dlamini said, “Our focus is on progress, not points. We’ll give the fans something to cheer about.”
Key Facts
- Match date: 8 September 2025, 19:00 UTC (21:00 local)
- Venue: March 28 Stadium, Benghazi, Libya
- Score: Libya national football team 2 – 0 Eswatini national football team
- Goal scorers: Mouad Issa (8'), Ezzeddine Al Mariami (19')
- Referee: Adal Bio
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Libya’s win affect its chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup?
The 2‑0 victory lifts Libya to 11 points, keeping them within three points of second‑placed Cameroon. With two games left, a win against Angola could bring them level on points and force a tie‑breaker, preserving a realistic shot at the final African spot.
Why is Eswatini’s elimination from contention now almost certain?
Eswatini sits on just two points with a goal difference of ‑8 after seven matches. Even if they win their remaining two games, the maximum points they could reach is eight – well below the 13 needed to challenge for the top two places.
Who were the standout players in the Libya‑Eswatini match?
Both Mouad Issa and Ezzeddine Al Mariami earned Man of the Match honors for their early goals. Goalkeeper Shabala kept Eswatini in the game with several sharp saves, despite the eventual loss.
What are the next fixtures for the teams in Group D?
Libya faces Angola on 3 October 2025, while Eswatini travels to Mauritius on the same day. The outcomes of these matches will largely determine the final group standings ahead of the last round of fixtures.
