Last Thursday, the Benghazi Sports City Stadium (Benghazi International Stadium) made a strong return to the local sports scene. It resumed its role of hosting matches for the Libyan Premier Football League by welcoming its first official match on its pitch after a long absence of fifteen years.
The stadium’s return came through hosting the “Neighborhood Derby,” which brought together Al-Ahly Benghazi and Al-Hilal as part of the first leg of the second round of the current season’s Libyan Premier League. The match ended in a goalless draw, in an atmosphere that brought back memories of major stadiums for the city’s sports fans.
Benghazi Stadium’s return from maintenance
The 2008 – 2009 sports season was the last season hosted by Benghazi International Stadium before its doors were closed in March 2009 for maintenance, rehabilitation, and development work. Matches were subsequently moved to the Benina Martyrs International Stadium.
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That season witnessed the last official match held at Benghazi International Stadium, which brought together Al-Ahly Benghazi and its guest, Khaleej Sirte. The match ended with a 1-0 victory for Khaleej Sirte, with the goal scored by their Senegalese professional player, Cheikh Sidoulaye, thus drawing the curtain on a historical era for the stadium.
Opening in mid-March 2009
In contrast, the Benina Martyrs International Stadium had its official opening ribbon cut in mid-March 2009 when it hosted a match between Al-Hilal and Al-Jazeera. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, marking the beginning of a new chapter for international stadiums in the city of Benghazi.
The return of Benghazi International Stadium is an important step in the path of developing sports infrastructure and a qualitative addition to the Libyan Premier League. This is due to the historical and sporting value this landmark represents and the modern capabilities it provides, which are expected to enhance the level of organization and fan attendance in the upcoming period.
Benghazi International Stadium
Benghazi International Stadium is a major sports venue in Benghazi, Libya, originally opened in 1962 and later renovated in 2009. It has historically hosted significant football matches and events but has suffered damage during periods of conflict in the country.
Benghazi Sports City Stadium
Benghazi Sports City Stadium is a major multi-purpose stadium in Benghazi, Libya, originally opened in the 1960s. It was renovated and expanded in the 2000s to host the 2009 African Cup of Nations, serving as a key venue for football matches and large public events.
Libyan Premier Football League
The Libyan Premier Football League is the top professional football division in Libya, founded in 1963. It has experienced periodic suspensions due to political instability and conflict within the country, most notably during the 2011 civil war and subsequent unrest.
Al-Ahly Benghazi
Al-Ahly Benghazi is a major sports club in Libya, most famous for its football team, and was founded in the city of Benghazi in 1947. It is historically one of the country’s most successful and popular clubs, with a significant rivalry with Al-Ittihad of Tripoli. The club has served as an important cultural and social institution in eastern Libya throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
Al-Hilal
Al-Hilal is a professional football club based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1957. It is one of Asia’s most successful clubs, with a record number of Saudi Professional League titles and multiple Asian Champions League victories. The club has a deep-rooted rivalry with Al-Nassr and is known for its iconic blue and white colors.
Libyan Premier League
The Libyan Premier League is the top professional football division in Libya, founded in 1963. It has faced periodic suspensions and disruptions due to political instability and conflict within the country throughout its history.
Khaleej Sirte
Khaleej Sirte, also known as the Gulf of Sirte, is a large body of water on the northern coast of Libya. Historically, it has been a significant maritime region, notably declared by Libya in 1973 as part of its territorial waters—a claim that led to international disputes. The surrounding area has also been a key site in Libya’s modern history, including naval confrontations and its role as a stronghold for former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Benina Martyrs International Stadium
Benina Martyrs International Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Benghazi, Libya, which opened in 2009. It was built to host the 2009 African Youth Championship and is named in honor of Libyan martyrs from various conflicts.
Al-Jazeera
Al-Jazeera is a major Arabic-language news and media network headquartered in Doha, Qatar. It was launched in 1996 with funding from the Qatari government, aiming to provide independent news coverage in a region where state-controlled media was dominant. It gained global prominence for its coverage of conflicts and its broadcasting of statements from figures like Osama bin Laden.
Benghazi
Benghazi is a major city in eastern Libya, historically significant as a center of trade and culture since its founding as the Greek colony of Euesperides. It played a pivotal role in the 2011 Libyan Civil War as a key base for the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi.
