Libya will be without veteran midfielder Ahmed Ben Ali for Thursday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Botswana after he suffered a muscle injury during the final preparations for the match.
Ben Ali, who plays for Al-Ittihad, was forced to leave the training field after sustaining the injury and will miss Libya’s opening Group H fixture at Tripoli International Stadium.
The 34-year-old had been expected to make his return to the Libya squad after reversing his decision to retire from international football five years ago. His absence is therefore a setback for coach Youssef Dabo ahead of the team’s first qualifying match.
However, the injury is not considered serious and Ben Ali is expected to recover in time for Libya’s next fixture against Uganda on 29 September.
Sources told WinWin that the midfielder will require only a few days of rest before he can return to action.
His return for the Uganda match would allow Ben Ali to continue his comeback with the Mediterranean Knights after deciding to resume his international career.
Ben Ali ruled out against Botswana
The injury occurred shortly before Libya’s opening qualifier against Botswana, preventing Ben Ali from taking part in a match that had been highly anticipated following his return to the national team.
The midfielder’s experience was expected to be available to Dabo as Libya began their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Instead, Ben Ali will watch from the sidelines as his team begins its Group H campaign at home.
Despite the setback, the information surrounding the injury suggests that the midfielder’s absence will be limited to the opening fixture.
The sources confirmed that there is no major concern over the injury and that a short period of rest should be enough for Ben Ali to recover.
He is consequently expected to be available when Libya face Uganda on 29 September.
Libya target strong start
Libya are aiming to begin their qualifying campaign with three points against Botswana as they attempt to reach the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time in a prolonged period.
The Mediterranean Knights have missed the finals at the last seven editions of the tournament and are seeking to end that run in the current qualifying campaign.
Their opening match against Botswana represents the first opportunity to make a strong start in Group H.
The group also includes Tunisia and Uganda. Uganda have already secured their place at the 2027 tournament as one of the host nations.
Libya therefore face a demanding qualifying campaign as they attempt to challenge for the available qualification place.
The team will now have to begin that campaign without Ben Ali, although his expected recovery means his absence should be limited to Thursday’s fixture.
For Dabo, the immediate task is to prepare his side for Botswana and secure the result Libya are seeking at Tripoli International Stadium.
Ben Ali’s expected return for the Uganda match would then provide the coach with an experienced option in midfield as Libya continue their bid to reach the continental finals.
