Al-Ittihad Misrati volleyball team secured the Misrata city derby in their favor after an exciting victory over their rival Al-Swehli with a score of three sets to two. The match took place yesterday, Sunday, at the Misrata Sports Hall, as part of the Libyan Volleyball League competitions for teams in the second group.
The encounter was strong, full of excitement and competitiveness, extending to five full sets which reflected the significant parity in level between the two teams, amidst an interactive crowd presence and a highly competitive atmosphere.
Al-Swehli easily wins the first set
Al-Swehli started the match strongly and managed to secure the first set easily with a score (25–15), before continuing their dominance and finishing the second set in their favor as well with a score (25–22), putting Al-Ittihad Misrati under early pressure.
However, Al-Ittihad Misrati came back strongly in the third and fourth sets, which witnessed intense competition and a close point margin. Al-Ittihad succeeded in securing the third set with a score (25–23), then continued their superiority in the fourth set which ended with an exciting score (31–29), bringing the match back to square one.
In the fifth and decisive set, Al-Ittihad Misrati reimposed their advantage and managed to secure it by a margin of two points as well, with a score (15–13), emerging victorious in the derby with a score of three sets to two.
The match was officiated by an international refereeing crew.
Al-Ittihad Misrati
Al-Ittihad Misrati is a Libyan professional football club based in Misrata, founded in 1944. It is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in the country, historically associated with the city’s port and commercial community. The club has won multiple Libyan Premier League titles and is known for its strong fanbase.
Al-Swehli
Al-Swehli refers to Ramadan al-Swehli, a prominent Libyan resistance leader against Italian colonization in the early 20th century. He is particularly known for his role in the 1911-1912 war and for later establishing a short-lived republic in Misrata. Today, his name is commemorated in Libyan history and in landmarks like Tripoli’s Al-Swehli Square.
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 pivotal siege, becoming a symbol of resistance against the Gaddafi regime.
Misrata Sports Hall
Misrata Sports Hall is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in the Libyan city of Misrata. It was constructed in the 1980s and has since served as a central venue for major sporting events, concerts, and cultural gatherings in the region.
Libyan Volleyball League
The Libyan Volleyball League is the top professional volleyball competition in Libya, organized by the Libyan Volleyball Federation. It was established to promote the sport nationally and has faced disruptions due to the country’s political instability and conflict since the 2011 civil war. Despite these challenges, the league continues to operate intermittently, featuring clubs from major cities like Tripoli and Benghazi.
