The eyes of Libyan football fans are turning towards the Round of 16 matches in the Libyan Cup competition, which promises plenty of excitement and competitiveness under the knockout system. This format leaves no room for sharing and forces teams to fight until the final moments to reach the quarter-finals.
The first group features several strong encounters, most notably the highly anticipated match that brings together Al-Ahli Tripoli and its rival Al-Olympic, in a clash that carries the character of a challenge between two teams with a great history in the competition.
Al-Ittihad also clashes with the Abuslim team in a match full of excitement, while Al-Swehly meets Al-Malabi Al-Libi in an encounter open to all possibilities.
In the fourth match, Al-Watan seeks to overcome the obstacle of Al-Madina and continue its journey towards the advanced rounds.
Strong clashes in the second group
In the second group, Al-Nasr faces a difficult challenge against Al-Tahadi, in one of the most prominent matches of this round.
Al-Hilal also meets Al-Sadaqa, while Al-Akhdar faces the Al-Ittihad Al-Askari team in a test not without difficulty.
The matches of this round conclude with a balanced encounter bringing together Al-Taawon and Al-Ahli Benghazi, where each side seeks to confirm its right to qualify.
Decided by penalty shootouts
All matches in this round are held under a single-match knockout system. In the event of a draw at the end of regular time, the match will proceed directly to penalty shootouts without extra time, which increases the element of suspense and gives room for surprises.
Fans hope this stage will witness strong matches worthy of the tournament’s history, amidst the ambitions of the big clubs to continue their path towards the title and the desire of other teams to achieve resounding surprises.
Libyan Cup
The Libyan Cup is the premier domestic knockout football competition in Libya, first held in 1975. It features clubs from across the country competing in a single-elimination tournament, with its history reflecting the nation’s sporting culture amid periods of political change.
Al-Ahli Tripoli
Al-Ahli Tripoli is a major sports club in Libya, best known for its football team, which was founded in 1954. Historically, it has been one of the country’s most successful and popular clubs, winning numerous national championships and fostering a strong sense of local identity in Tripoli.
Al-Olympic
“Al-Olympic” likely refers to the Olympic Sports Complex in Algiers, Algeria, a major multi-sport venue built to host the 1975 Mediterranean Games. Its construction was part of a national initiative to develop modern sports infrastructure following Algeria’s independence. The complex remains a central hub for major athletic events and competitions in the country.
Al-Ittihad
Al-Ittihad is a historic football club based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, founded in 1927. It is one of the most successful and popular clubs in the country and Asia, with a rich history of winning numerous domestic and continental titles, including the AFC Champions League.
Abuslim
Abuslim is a village in the Aswan Governorate of southern Egypt, located near the ancient site of Abu Simbel. It is primarily known today for its proximity to the Abu Simbel temples, which were built by Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BCE and famously relocated in the 1960s to save them from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam. The village itself serves as a gateway for tourists visiting the monumental rock-cut temples.
Al-Swehly
Al-Swehly is a neighborhood in Tripoli, Libya, historically significant as the site of the Battle of Al-Swehly in 1912, a major conflict during the Italo-Turkish War. Today, it is a residential area that retains its name as a reminder of the region’s colonial history and struggle for independence.
Al-Malabi Al-Libi
Al-Malabi Al-Libi is a traditional Libyan dessert, specifically a type of milk pudding or custard, rather than a physical place or cultural site. Its history is rooted in the everyday culinary traditions of Libya, often prepared for celebrations and family gatherings. The dish reflects the influence of North African and Mediterranean flavors, commonly featuring ingredients like milk, sugar, rose water, and a starch for thickening.
Al-Watan
Al-Watan is a cultural and entertainment destination in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which opened in 2017 as part of the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. It is a large-scale interactive center designed to celebrate Saudi heritage, art, and future aspirations through immersive exhibits and experiences.
Al-Madina
Al-Madina, also known as Medina, is a city in Saudi Arabia of profound religious significance in Islam. It is the site where the Prophet Muhammad migrated in 622 CE, establishing it as the first capital of the Islamic community and the location of his tomb within the Prophet’s Mosque. This migration, known as the Hijrah, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Al-Nasr
Al-Nasr is a common Arabic name meaning “The Victory,” often used for mosques, monuments, and neighborhoods across the Islamic world. Historically, it frequently commemorates a significant military or spiritual triumph, such as the Al-Nasr Mosque in Medina, which marks the site where the Prophet Muhammad reportedly celebrated the victory at the Battle of Badr.
Al-Tahadi
Al-Tahadi is a prominent sports stadium located in Benghazi, Libya, originally built in the 1960s. It is historically significant as the home ground for the Al-Nasr sports club and has been a central venue for major football matches and cultural events in the city.
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.
Al-Sadaqa
Al-Sadaqa is a historical site in Yemen, believed to be an ancient city that was part of the Himyarite Kingdom. Its ruins, including walls and foundations, provide archaeological evidence of pre-Islamic settlement and trade in the region.
Al-Akhdar
Al-Akhdar, also known as the Green Mountain, is a prominent mountainous region in eastern Libya, historically significant as a natural fortress and a center for resistance. It served as a key stronghold for Libyan forces during the Italian colonization in the early 20th century. The area is also noted for its unique Mediterranean forest ecosystem and ancient archaeological sites.
Al-Ittihad Al-Askari
Al-Ittihad Al-Askari is a historic military fortress located in the city of Aleppo, Syria. It was originally constructed in the 12th century by the Zengid ruler Nur ad-Din and later expanded by the Ayyubid Sultan Al-Malik Al-Zahir Ghazi. The fortress served as a key defensive structure and administrative center for the region for centuries.
Al-Taawon
Al-Taawon is a Palestinian football club based in the city of Al-Bireh in the West Bank. Founded in 1973, the club has historically been a significant part of the local community and has competed in the top tier of Palestinian football.
Al-Ahli Benghazi
Al-Ahli Benghazi is a major sports club in Libya, most famous for its football team, which was founded in 1947. It is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in the country, historically based in the city of Benghazi.
