Libyan Premier League: Goals aplenty in fourth round; Al Ahli establish lead in West group

The two groups in the Championship stage of the Libyan Premier League are moving in different directions after a tightly contested first few rounds. The East group based in Benghazi remains closely fought while West group favorites Al Ahli Tripoli are living up to expectations in the group that is based in the Libyan capital.

Goals came in bunches on Saturday in the East group with Al Ahly Benghazi exploding for five goals in a 5-2 thumping of Al Tahaddi. Nigerian attacker Gabriel Orok and Sudan national team forward John Mano were among the scorers as Ahly ran out to a 4-0 lead inside forty minutes in a convincing victory.

Ahly benefited most in the group after the other two matches on Saturday ended on draws. Al Akhdar missed an opportunity by drawing last placed Al Sadaqa 2-2 while group leaders Al Hilal Benghazi failed to defend a two-goal lead on their way to their own 2-2 draw against defending champions Al Nasr (highlights below).

On Sunday in the West group based in Tripoli, Al Ahli Tripoli are finding their form after a bit of a slow start by their high standards. Angolan striker Mabululu converted from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute and former USM Alger forward Ismail Belkacemi finished from a cross by attacking left back Mohamed El Munir to give Ahli a 2-0 halftime lead and eventual 3-1 victory.

Ahli extended their lead to three points at the top of the group after Swehly SC failed to win in their clash with Olympic Azzaweya. Each team scored in the first half in a match that ended 1-1, a second consecutive slip up from Swehly in a group with small margins due to the talented and expensive squad leaders Ahli have at their disposal.

The final West group fixture between Al Ittihad and Ittihad Misurata will take place on Monday evening. The fifth round will take place over three days, beginning on Wednesday with two fixtures from the East group.

East Group Results

Al Akhdar 2-2 Al Sadaqa

Al Tahaddi 2-5 Al Ahly Benghazi

Al Nasr 2-2 Al Hilal Benghazi

East Group Table (4 matches played)

West Group Results

Swehly SC 1-1 Olympic Azzaweya

Al Ahli Tripoli 3-1 Al Madina

Monday Fixture

Al Ittihad vs Ittihad Misurata

West Group Table