Libya and Angola played to a close draw in Benghazi on Wednesday in FIFA World Cup qualifying, keeping both teams from moving into second place in Group F. Sand Msoud’s penalty kick conversion early in the second half was cancelled out by a late equalizer from young 19-year-old talent Zini to give the visitors a satisfactory result on the road to close out their campaign. Angola ends the group stage in last place with five points while Libya wraps up in third place with seven.
The Libyans dominated early on and it appeared that the Mediterranean Knights would roll to victory. In the 19th minute, Raja Casablanca center back Sanad Al Warfali attempted to shoot from 23 yards out on a free kick, but his powerfully driven effort was deflected just wide with Angola keeper Hugo Marques moving in the other direction. Marques was scrambling again in the 35th minute when Mohammed Soulah produced some slick dribbling moves to cut inside from the left wing and shoot, but his curling effort went off the crossbar.
It was soon after halftime when the hosts made their breakthrough courtesy of a penalty kick being awarded. In the 51st minute it was Msoud who sent Marques in the wrong direction to put Libya in front. However, Libya failed to push on and expand their lead and a second half charge from the visitors eventually saw the Palancas Negras level the match. In the 80th minute, full back Daniel Liberal combined with Valencia forward Hélder Costa before crossing into Libya’s six-yard box. Al Warfali’s disastrous attempt to clear saw him scuff his kick and Zini pounced to finish from close range.
Highlights of the match are in the link below.
