FIFA Arab Cup: Palestine defeats Libya in penalty shootout

African nations went 0-for-3 on Tuesday in 2025 FIFA Arab Cup qualifying after Libya fell to Palestine in a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw at the Al Gharafa Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

After an even opening ninety minutes with opportunities for both teams, the victors produced a strong performance to confirm their place at the final tournament. The Knights converted four of their five spot kicks before Libya midfielder Maruwan Al-Hbeishi fired his penalty wide to result in the North African nation’s elimination.

It will be a difficult result for Aliou Cissé’s side to accept considering the match could have gone either way. The Mediterranean Knights had a brilliant chance to take the lead before halftime but after a pass over the top of the defense found Fadel Mansour, the Al Ahly Benghazi defender put his finish wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The second half progressed in a similar manner but it was the African nation who had the best chance. In the 83rd minute, striker Ezoo El Mariemi provided a cross to Mahmoud Al Shalui. However, from eight yards out the Al Ittihad Tripoli player rushed his shot attempt and put it wide.

Libya’s frustration was increased when star defender and captain Ali Youssef saw his penalty kick saved after Zamalek forward Oday Dabbagh put Palestine ahead on their first attempt. Murad Al Waheeshi, who came on as a substitute goalkeeper for the shootout, saved on Palestine’s fourth attempt but Al-Hbeishi failed to put his attempt on target to confirm defeat for the Mediterranean Knights.

The defeat comes on a day when Mauritania and South Sudan also fell to defeats. Tomorrow, Africa’s representatives will look for better results when Somalia, Djibouti, Sudan and Comoros all take part in their qualifying fixtures against Asian nations.

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