Senegalese head coach Aliou Cissé has finalised the leadership hierarchy of the Libyan national team, identifying the players who will assume the captain’s armband during the side’s current training camp in Morocco. The decision comes as Libya begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, set to be hosted across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The move is seen as part of a broader effort by Cissé to stabilise the squad following a period of inconsistency, with the team aiming to rebuild and return to continental competition after missing the last seven editions of the tournament.
Leadership Decision Anchored in Experience
According to a source close to the team, midfielder Al-Mu’tasim Al-Musrati has been designated as the primary captain. The 29-year-old, who plays for Italian club Hellas Verona, recently returned to international football after reversing an earlier decision to retire.
His selection reflects both seniority and experience, with Al-Musrati regarded as one of the most seasoned figures in the current squad. Since making his debut for Libya, he has earned 40 international caps and scored two goals. He was also part of the squad that secured the African Nations Championship title for local players in South Africa in 2014 under Spanish coach Javier Clemente.
Murad Al-Wahishi, goalkeeper for Al-Ahli Benghazi, has been named as the second-choice captain. He has represented Libya 23 times since his international debut in September 2019 and is expected to assume leadership responsibilities in Al-Musrati’s absence.
Defender Ali Youssef, who plays for French club Nantes, completes the leadership trio. The 24-year-old will wear the armband when both Al-Musrati and Al-Wahishi are unavailable. Since his debut in March 2022, Youssef has also accumulated 23 caps for the national team.
Morocco Camp to Test Squad Readiness
Libya’s ongoing training camp in Morocco will include two friendly matches against Niger and Liberia. These fixtures are intended to provide Cissé with a clearer assessment of his squad’s tactical cohesion, as well as the players’ physical and technical readiness ahead of competitive fixtures.
The friendlies are expected to play a key role in shaping the team’s structure, with the newly established captaincy hierarchy likely to be tested in match conditions.
Renewed Focus After Years of Setbacks
Libya enter this new phase following a series of disappointing results in the past year, which have further extended their absence from Africa’s premier football tournament. The failure to qualify for seven consecutive Africa Cup of Nations editions has placed increased pressure on both players and coaching staff.
Cissé’s appointment and his early decisions, including clarifying leadership roles, signal an attempt to instil discipline and direction within the squad. The emphasis on experienced players at the core of the team suggests a strategy focused on stability as Libya seek to re-establish themselves on the continental stage.
A Long Road Back to Continental Relevance
With the 2027 qualifiers approaching, Libya face a significant challenge to break their cycle of underperformance. The structured leadership approach introduced by Cissé may prove critical in fostering unity and resilience within the squad.
As preparations continue in Morocco, attention will turn to whether this renewed framework can translate into improved performances on the pitch, and ultimately, a long-awaited return to the Africa Cup of Nations.
