By Noe Richepin
Guest Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
The Knights of the Mediterranean delivered a performance that will go down in the annals. In a thrilling, high-scoring draw (3-3), Libya not only held the group leader, Cape Verde, but also ended their hopes of winning the top qualifying spot reshuffling the deck and offering an unexpected lifeline to Cameroon ahead of the final matchday.
Libyan’s can be proud
All the government mobilization and the commitment of Head Coach Aliou Cissé found their ultimate expression on the pitch at the Tripoli International Stadium. The Libyans played a remarkably bold game, leading twice and displaying a palpable determination praised by Sports Minister, Abdel Shafi’i Al-Juwaifi.
While Cape Verde could have sealed their qualification with a win, Libya turned the duel into an offensive spectacle. Despite the disappointment of conceding the draw after leading 3-1—a bizarre own goal from goalkeeper Murad Al Wuheeshi contributing to Cape Verde’s comeback—the team fought heroically.
This hard-fought point (3-3) has a tectonic effect on the standings, ending Libya’s run for the direct qualification spot but keeping them firmly in the hunt for the playoff position.
Cameroon makes a strong comeback
Meanwhile, Cameroon secured a necessary 2-0 victory against Mauritius. This result, combined with the draw in Tripoli, sets up a thrilling scenario for the final day.
The new standings after 9 match days are as follows:
Cape Verde remains the leader with 20 points.
Cameroon is right behind with 18 points.
Libya climbs to 15 points.
Cape Verde, with 20 points, sees their lead shrink to just two small points against the Indomitable Lions. The fate of Group D will therefore be decided on Monday.
Final matchday stakes: Libya fights for playoff position
While Cameroon, thanks to Libya’s help, is back in the race for direct qualification, Libya’s (15 points) primary goal is now to secure a playoff spot (reserved for the four best second-place teams in the CAF zone).
Monday’s schedule is crucial:
1. Cape Verde (20 pts) vs. Eswatini: Cameroon will be “praying”for Eswatini, despite their low ranking, to once again slow down Cape Verde. Any result other than a Cape Verdean win (draw or loss) could allow the Cameroonians to take the lead.
2. Cameroon (18 pts) vs. Angola: Cameroon must absolutely win against Angola and hope for a Cape Verde slip-up to seize the first-place spot.
Libya’s fate for a best second-place spot now hangs on the results in other groups, but this incredible performance against Cape Verde proves that the Knights of the Mediterranean are ready to fight until the very end.
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