Giuseppe Sannino appointed as Al Ahly Benghazi head coach ahead of crucial title deciders

Libyan Premier League side Al Ahly Benghazi has appointed the Italian tactician Giuseppe Sannino as the new head coach, replacing Nasser Al-Hadhiri.

The club took the decision just days before a decisive clash against Swehly SC in the ongoing Championship Play-off Round of the Libyan Premier League, known locally as “Dawrina.”

According to Libyan outlet “Alwasat”, Sannino takes over the reins as Al Ahly Benghazi aims to rescue its campaign in the six-team championship decider and prepare for the semi-finals of the Libyan Cup. The deal between the Italian coach and the club also includes laying the groundwork for next season’s preparations.

The 68-year-old brings previous experience in Libyan football, having managed Al-Ittihad Tripoli from September 2021 until his departure in January 2022. He now returns to Libyan soil with a tough challenge ahead—lifting a side that currently sits at the bottom of the play-off table with no points from two games.

The appointment comes days after the Libyan Football Federation’s Competitions Committee handed the team a 2-0 defeat against Al Ahli Tripoli, deducted three points from their tally for next season, and issued multiple fines. Head coach Nasser Al-Hadhiri was suspended for one match and fined 300 Libyan Dinars, while the club was hit with penalties of 20,000 and 1,500 Dinars for various infractions.

Sannino’s debut match will be against Swehly on Saturday in the third round of the championship stage.

Title Race Heats Up in Milan

In a unique scenario, the play-off round is being hosted in Milan, Italy, and features a single round-robin format among six contenders. After two rounds, the standings are tightly packed:

• Al Ahli Tripoli – 4 points

• Al Hilal – 4 points

• Al Akhdar – 4 points

• Al Ittihad – 3 points

• Al Swehly – 1 point

• Al Ahly Benghazi – 0 points

With only three matches remaining for each side, the battle for the title remains wide open.