Libyan Premier League: Al Hilal get revenge in Benghazi Derby to move past Al Ahly

Action from Thursday's Benghazi Derby between Al Hilal (blue) and Al Ahly. Photo Credit: Al Hilal SC (Benghazi)

Benghazi giants Al Hilal and Al Ahly are well on their way to qualifying for the Libyan Premier League's championship stage but there was still plenty of bragging rights at stake in the latest iteration of the Benghazi Derby on Thursday.

After falling 1-0 in the first meeting between the clubs this season, Al Hilal gained revenge with a comeback 2-1 victory to move to the top of Group 2. Palestinian forward Zaid Qunbar opened the scoring for Ahly close to halftime from a cross by Zakaria Mansouri and it appeared that the four-time top flight winners would complete a sweep of their rivals in the first stage of the campaign.

However a furious rally in the final twenty minutes secured a thrilling victory for Hilal. In the 78th minute, Ahmed Saad drew the match level with a well executed volley. An Ahly free kick in the first minute of stoppage time led to a quick Hilal counter attack and Ezzedine Maremi got behind the defense to finish for a late match winner.

Both teams are guaranteed a top three finish in Group 2 which will see them through to the championship stage which will feature twelve clubs. Action from Libya's top flight resumes on Friday with big spending Al Madina among the clubs in action from four matches before the league takes a week off.

Group 2 Table (Benghazi)

	GP	Points
Al Hilal	12	30
Al Ahly	12	28
Al Taawun	11	19
Al Sadaqa	11	19
Al Andalus	12	17
Al Murooj	11	9
Al Branes	12	5
Al Mahdia	11	5

• The top three clubs qualify for the championship stage.

• The bottom two clubs are relegated to the Libyan First Division.