Despite Fine by CAF, Libya Maltreats Benin Players in AFCON Qualifiers

Despite securing a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Libya to qualify for AFCON, the Beninese team said it faced hostility from Libyan fans and officials in Tripoli.

While recounting their ordeal, Benin’s captain, Steve Mounie, condemned his team’s treatment during their trip to Libya for the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The draw at the Tripoli National Stadium saw Benin finish second in Group B on goal difference, edging out Rwanda to secure their place in the tournament.

However, the celebrations were marred by chaotic scenes as Libyan fans disrupted the team’s post-match celebrations by hurling objects at players and staff.

Matters worsened as the team was reportedly attacked by some Libyan security personnel while leaving the stadium. The incident injured several team members, including head coach Gernot Rohr.

Speaking to ORTB after the ordeal, Mounie recounted the hostile environment:

It wasn’t easy. It was really a war zone. This Libyan team, this country, and its supporters didn’t respect us at the start of the match. They whistled our national anthem, and we made it personal. We wanted to come out of this match with qualification. We did it with difficulty. Benin is at the CAN 2025. We can be proud of what we have achieved with this group of young players.

The incident follows recent disciplinary action taken by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) against Libya for similar misconduct during Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers.

In October 2024, Nigeria’s Super Eagles were stranded at a Libyan airport before their match in Benghazi, leading CAF’s Disciplinary Board to award Nigeria three points and impose sanctions on Libya.

Despite the fine and sanctions by CAF, the repeated mistreatment of visiting teams raises concerns about Libya’s ability to host international fixtures.

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