Libyan Premier League: Benghazi Derby ends level; Al Nasr share the points

After each winning a match against one another in the initial phase of the Libyan Premier League, Benghazi rivals Al Ahly and Al Hilal played to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday in the early stages of the Championship Stage.

Taha Al-Shalawi's brilliant free kick opened the scoring for Al Hilal in the 23rd minute but the joy was short-lived. Twelve minutes later, Ahly executed an excellent team movement moving the ball from wing to wing before a lofted pass into the Hilal penalty area found Boubacar Traoré. The Malian forward nodded the ball down to John Mano who set up Zakaria Mansouri's low finish to equalize.

Ahly appeared to take the lead early in the second half but a goal was controversially disallowed due to offsides. Hilal now have four points from two matches while Ahly have drawn their first two games.

In the earlier match played from the Benghazi-based group, defending champions Al Nasr were held to a 1-1 draw by Al Sadaqa. Former Horoya AC and Al-Hilal Omdurman forward Pape Ndiaye opened the scoring for Sadaqa in the second half. Replays indicated that the goal was very likely offsides, something that was eagerly pointed out by Al Nasr's social media.

However, the reigning champions would avoid defeat in the end with a late equalizer to restore parity. Al Nasr are level with Hilal, collecting four points from their two matches.

The Benghazi-based group of six teams will finish up the second round tomorrow when Al Tahaddi host Al Akhdar.