Libyan Premier League: Plenty to play for as Championship stage reaches halfway point

The Libyan Premier League is midway through the Championship stage with five matches remaining in each of the six-team groups. On Thursday and Friday, three of the four games ended in draws while Al Madina recorded the lone victory over Al Ittihad Tripoli, a 2-1 result to move Madina back into contention.

After going down to an Oto John goal in the first half, Al Ittihad battled back to level and appeared to be pushing for a victory. However, a late header gave Madina the victory to move level on points with Swehly SC in second place in the West group.

Al Ahli Tripoli, leaders of the West group, came back from a 0-2 halftime deficit to earn a point against Olympic Azzaweya. Libyan internationals Muaid Ellafi and Hamdou Elhouni scored in the span of five minutes to maintain a three-point lead at the top of the group after Swehly SC could only manage a disappointing 1-1 draw with last place Ittihad Misurata.

Finally, the East group concluded its fifth round on Thursday. Defending champions Al Nasr had an opportunity to move closer to the top but were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow Benghazi club Al Ahly. The two teams exchanged goals in the second half, meaning Al Hilal Benghazi continue to lead the East group.

Round 5 Results

West Group (Tripoli)

Swehly SC 1-1 Ittihad Misurata

Olympic Azzaweya 2-2 Al Ahli Tripoli

Al Madina 2-1 Al Ittihad

East Group (Benghazi)

Al Tahaddi 0-1 Al Sadaqa

Al Hilal Benghazi 1-1 Al Akhdar

Al Ahly Benghazi 1-1 Al Nasr

West Group Table

West Group Table