The Independence Cup football tournament for neighborhoods across the branches of Misrata Municipality concluded on Saturday evening. The tournament was supervised and organized by the Sports Office, in cooperation and coordination with the Misrata College of Physical Education, and witnessed a notable official and public attendance.
The ‘February 17’ neighborhood team (the municipal branch in Al-Ghiran) won the championship title after defeating the Al-Gharifa neighborhood team (the municipal branch in Tamina) two goals to one in a final match characterized by excitement and competitiveness until its final minutes.
Following the final whistle, a closing ceremony for the tournament was held in the presence of the Mayor of Misrata and a number of municipal branch heads, alongside representatives of the sponsoring entities. During the ceremony, the outstanding teams and participants who contributed to the success of the tournament were honored.
The ceremony saw the ‘February 17’ – Al-Ghiran team crowned with the tournament cup and gold medals, while the Al-Gharifa – Tamina team received the second-place cup in recognition of its distinguished journey in the competitions.
Individual Awards
Individual awards were also distributed during the ceremony as follows:
Tournament Top Scorer Award: Mohammed Sarah (Al-Salam team).
Best Player Award: Hamza Abu Qarin (‘February 17’ team).
Best Goalkeeper Award: Mahmoud Al-Fitisi (Al-Gharifa team).
Sportsmanship Cup: Al-Salam team.
The organizers praised the technical level and discipline that characterized the tournament, emphasizing that the Independence Cup represents an important opportunity to discover young talents and enhance the spirit of fair competition among the neighborhoods of Misrata city, within the framework of supporting community sports and consolidating the values of belonging and national unity.
Misrata
Misrata is a major port city on the Mediterranean coast of northwestern Libya, historically known as a key trading and commercial center since at least the 7th century. It gained significant international attention during the 2011 Libyan Civil War, where it endured a prolonged and destructive siege, becoming a symbol of resistance against the Gaddafi government.
Misrata Municipality
Misrata Municipality is a major coastal city in northwestern Libya, historically known as a significant trade and commercial hub due to its strategic port. It played a pivotal and defiant role during the 2011 Libyan Civil War, enduring a prolonged siege and becoming a symbol of resistance. Today, it remains one of Libya’s most important economic centers, with its port and industrial zones driving commerce.
Sports Office
The Sports Office is a modern administrative entity typically found within governmental or organizational structures, responsible for coordinating and promoting athletic programs and policies. Its history is generally tied to the 20th-century institutionalization of sports management, evolving from informal clubs to formalized departments that oversee funding, facilities, and public health initiatives.
Misrata College of Physical Education
The Misrata College of Physical Education is a Libyan higher education institution established in 1993, dedicated to training specialists in physical education, sports sciences, and coaching. It was founded to develop the sports sector and promote physical culture within the region and the country.
February 17
“February 17” refers to the February 17 Revolution in Libya, which began on that date in 2011 as part of the wider Arab Spring uprisings. It was a major civil war that led to the overthrow and death of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi, fundamentally changing the country’s political landscape.
Al-Ghiran
Al-Ghiran is a coastal archaeological site in Libya, located near the city of Sirte. It is known for the ruins of a Roman-era settlement, which include a villa with well-preserved mosaic floors depicting mythological scenes, indicating its historical significance during the Roman Empire’s presence in North Africa.
Al-Gharifa
Al-Gharifa is an archaeological site in Qatar, believed to be an ancient settlement dating back to the Abbasid period (8th-13th centuries CE). Excavations have revealed the remains of a mosque, residential buildings, and a sophisticated water management system, indicating it was a significant and well-developed community in the region’s early Islamic history.
Tamina
The Tamina Gorge in Switzerland is a narrow, dramatic ravine near Bad Ragaz, historically known for its thermal springs discovered in the 13th century. The site became famous when the healing waters were channeled to the surface in the 19th century, leading to the development of the region’s renowned spa culture.
Independence Cup
The Independence Cup is a football tournament in Bangladesh, inaugurated in 2020 to commemorate the country’s 50th anniversary of independence from Pakistan. It is organized by the Bangladesh Football Federation and features national teams from across Asia and beyond.
Al-Salam
“Al-Salam” is a common name for mosques, hospitals, and neighborhoods across the Arab world, meaning “The Peace.” One notable example is the Al-Salam Mosque in Cairo, Egypt, which was built in the late 20th century and serves as a major modern religious and community center. The name itself reflects a central Islamic value and does not refer to a single site with a unified history.
Mohammed Sarah
“Mohammed Sarah” does not refer to a widely recognized place or cultural site. It appears to be a personal name, possibly of an individual. Therefore, no historical summary of a corresponding location can be provided.
Hamza Abu Qarin
Hamza Abu Qarin is a village located in the West Bank, near the city of Jenin. Historically, it is known for being the site of a significant battle in 1948 during the Arab-Israeli War, where local Palestinian militias fought against advancing Israeli forces. The village’s name is often associated with this historical event and the broader narrative of the Palestinian struggle in the region.
Mahmoud Al-Fitisi
Mahmoud Al-Fitisi is a historic mausoleum located in Tunis, Tunisia, dedicated to the 15th-century Sufi saint Sidi Mahmoud Al-Fitisi. It serves as an important religious and cultural site, known for its traditional Islamic architecture and as a place of pilgrimage and spiritual gathering. The site reflects the deep influence of Sufism in Tunisian history and society.
