Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Under the floodlights of Benghazi’s Benina Martyrs Stadium, football made more than just a return — it made history.
Two European giants, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, stepped onto Libyan soil for a rare and powerful international friendly, delivering a match that transcended sport. In a country long sidelined from hosting major events, Tuesday night’s clash was more than 90 minutes of football — it was a statement to the world: Libya is back.
With flags waving, drums echoing through the stands, and an electric crowd fueling the energy, Atletico Madrid edged out Inter Milan to lift the commemorative Libya Peace Cup, winning the friendly match and the hearts of thousands of local fans.
“This wasn’t just about football,” said one local fan. “It was about showing the world that Libya is open again — that we are ready to host, to celebrate, to heal.”
A Symbol of Peace and Progress
The match was organized as part of a broader initiative to promote peace, unity, and international engagement in Libya. Once a regular stop on the football calendar during Africa’s golden sporting years, Libya has spent over a decade in the shadows due to conflict and instability.
But Tuesday’s night under the stars sent a different message. The presence of two of Europe’s most respected clubs offered powerful symbolism: peace is possible, and sport can help lead the way.
Football, Fans, and a Future Ahead
From the first whistle, it was clear the match was more than a routine friendly. Atletico’s organized press and Inter’s fluid midfield drew applause, but it was the fans who were the real stars. From all corners of Libya, they came — waving banners, singing anthems, and celebrating a moment many thought might never come.
After the final whistle blew and Atletico Madrid lifted the trophy, the stadium erupted in a celebration not just of a win, but of a new beginning.
Looking Ahead
While the result may soon fade into football archives, the memory of this night in Benghazi will endure — a turning point for Libyan football, and perhaps for the nation itself.
For now, Libyans can proudly say: world football came home, and it was beautiful.
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