Libyan Premier League: Three teams confirm qualification for second round

Photo Credit: Olympic Azzaweya

The seventh round of the Libyan Premier League approached completion on Wednesday and three clubs have clinched qualification for the next stage of the competition. Al Akhdar, Olympic Azzaweya and Asswehly are all through to the next round after securing victories this week.

Al Akhdar have a perfect record through six matches following a dominant 4-0 victory over Khaleej Sirte. In an ongoing battle with countryman Mabululu to be the league's top scorer, Angolan striker Ary Papel took the lead after tallying a hat-trick. Papel also added an assist on the fourth goal and now has seven goals this season.

In Group 1, Akhdar are five points clear of defending champions Al Nasr who were held to a 0-0 draw by Al Tahaddi. Nasr only need one win from their final two matches to join Akhdar in the second round.

Over in the western region of the country, 18-time league champions Al Ittihad continued their recovery from a poor start to the season with a 4-0 victory against Al Nahda. Sudan national team attacker Yasin Hamed scored along with former Libya national team forward Salah Al Taher.

Al Ittihad forward Yasin Hamed scores against Al Nahda

In the other group from the Western region, Group 3, Olympic Azzaweya and Asswehly continued their battle for first place. Olympic lead by one point after a 2-1 victory against Al-Majd with Ivorian winger Aubin Kramo opening the scoring in the first half. Majd equalized from the penalty spot but the group leaders responded with a spot kick of their own for the victory.

Asswehly scored twice in the first halfand held on for a 2-1 victory over Shabab Al-Ghar. Mohamed Elghadi opened the scoring and in-form forward Fily Traoré scored his third goal of the season. With three teams set to qualify out of the group, Asswehly and Olympic will be joined by Abu Salim, Tripoli club Al-Ittihad or Shabab Al-Ghar.

Action continues for the remainder of the week in the 35-team league. Benghazi clubs Al Ahly and Al Hilal will play on Thursday and Friday while league favorites Al Ahli Tripoli also are in action on Thursday.

Due to lack of sponsorship to cover travel costs, the 35 clubs are divided by region into four groups with the top three finishing teams qualifying for the second stage which consists of two groups. The winners of the two groups in the second stage will play a final to determine the champion.