Libyan Premier League title race reaches boiling point after thrilling penultimate round in Milan

The 51st edition of the Libyan Premier League Championship Playoff continued in dramatic fashion in Milan, Italy, as Matchday 4 delivered high-stakes action and reshaped the title picture ahead of the final showdown.

Al Ahli Tripoli Close in on Historic 14th Title

Al Ahli Tripoli took a giant step towards claiming their 14th league crown with a commanding 3-0 victory over Swehly. After a goalless first half, the second period saw a burst of quality from the Tripoli giants.

Rwandan defender Thierry Manzi opened the scoring with a towering header, before Tunisian midfielder Ghailene Chaalali doubled the lead. The result was sealed by a late strike from Imran Salem, putting Ahli in pole position with 10 points.

Their triumph came on the same day as rivals Al Hilal secured a crucial win of their own, setting up a title-deciding clash between the two in Sunday’s final round. Ahli Tripoli will be crowned champions with either a win or a draw. Al Hilal, on the other hand, must win to lift the trophy.

Meanwhile, Swehly remain bottom of the six-team playoff group with just a single point, officially out of contention for continental qualification spots in both the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Al Hilal Edge Al Ittihad in Narrow Clash

Al Hilal overcame Al Ittihad 1-0 to keep their title hopes alive. The only goal came in the second half, as veteran midfielder Faisal Al Badri converted a penalty under pressure.

Al Hilal now sits second with 8 points, just two behind leaders Ahli Tripoli. Sunday’s final-round clash between the two is now effectively a title decider.

For Al Ittihad, the loss – following a bruising 4-1 derby defeat to Ahli Tripoli in the previous round – leaves them on three points and out of the title race. They now await the final standings to determine their African qualification fate.

Ahly Benghazi Build Momentum with Second Straight Win

Ahly Benghazi won once again with a 3-0 win over Al Akhdar, building on their recent upturn in form under new Italian coach Giuseppe Sanino. Nigerian forward Urok opened the scoring, followed by a goal from defender Mansour Rizq and a third from Sudanese striker John Mano.

The victory lifted Ahli Benghazi to 6 points, placing them third in the table and ending Al Akhdar’s hopes of challenging for the title. Al Akhdar, who had previously gone unbeaten, remain on 5 points and suffered their first loss in the playoff.

Standings After Matchday 4:

1. Al Ahli Tripoli – 10 points
2. Al Hilal – 8 points
3. Al Ahli Benghazi – 6 points
4. Al Akhdar – 5 points
5. Al Ittihad – 3 points
6. Al Sweahly – 1 point

The blockbuster final day in Milan will be on Sunday, August 10, 2025. Al Ahli Tripoli and Al Hilal will meet in a winner-takes-all clash, while three remaining teams from 3rd to 5th battle for potential continental spots. With everything on the line, Libyan football fans are set for a thrilling conclusion to a remarkable season.