Fawzi Benzarti has warned his Al-Ittihad players against underestimating any opponent in the Libyan Premier League after beginning their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Al-Shumou’.
The Tunisian coach, who is tasked with restoring Al-Ittihad to the top of Libyan football, insisted that every match would present a challenge, regardless of the opposition’s reputation or position.
Al-Ittihad secured all three points away from home in their opening Group One fixture, giving Benzarti a positive start as he attempts to guide the club towards the final stage of the competition and end their four-year wait for the league title.
Speaking exclusively to winwin after the match, the experienced coach made it clear that his players could not afford to rely on the club’s reputation when preparing for their upcoming fixtures.
“All matches are difficult, and there is no better or worse team except by what they present on the field.”
Benzarti’s message underlines the importance of consistency in a competition where he believes results must be earned through performances rather than expectations.
Benzarti pleased with Al-Ittihad’s opening performance
Despite the difficulty of securing victory against Al-Shumou’, Benzarti expressed satisfaction with his players’ overall display in their first league outing.
The Tunisian tactician was particularly encouraged by the team’s ability to impose its style of play, create several scoring opportunities and keep their opponents under pressure in their own half.
He also praised the sporting spirit displayed by both sides during the encounter, highlighting a positive aspect of the opening fixture.
However, the victory represents only the first step in what promises to be a demanding campaign for Al-Ittihad, with Benzarti aware that his team must maintain its level throughout the competition.
Supporters of the club, widely known as Al-Ameed, have placed considerable expectations on the former Tunisia national team coach, hoping his experience will help return the side to the summit of Libyan football.
The pressure is particularly significant for a club whose recent results have fallen short of expectations despite having several recognised players in its squad.
Benzarti’s immediate challenge will be to turn that individual quality into consistent team performances capable of delivering silverware.
Al-Ittihad rely on international experience
Al-Ittihad have assembled a squad featuring several players with continental and international experience as they seek to challenge for honours this season.
Moroccan forward Sofiane Boufal is among the leading names expected to contribute to the club’s ambitions, alongside compatriot Noufel Zerhouni.
The squad also includes Tunisian players Hamza Ben Abda and Mehdi Gannouni, adding further experience to the team’s options.
Al-Ittihad’s African contingent features Nigerian player Oniche Ogbelo, Burkina Faso’s Jacques Diarra and Malian footballer Mamadou Sylla.
The combination of players from different footballing backgrounds gives Benzarti a range of options as he works to build a competitive side for the campaign.
With experienced personnel available in both attacking and defensive areas, the club’s supporters will expect the team to translate its squad strength into improved results and a serious challenge for the title.
Pressure grows as Al-Ittihad target a return to glory
The opening victory provides encouragement for Benzarti and his players, but the coach’s warning suggests that complacency will not be tolerated as the season progresses.
Al-Ittihad have endured a difficult period in recent years, with disappointing results continuing despite the presence of high-profile names.
The club’s ambitions extend beyond a strong start to the campaign, with supporters eager to see the team return to the top of the domestic game.
Benzarti’s experience could prove important in that pursuit, but the immediate priority will be maintaining the discipline and intensity displayed in the opening match.
For now, Al-Ittihad have made a winning start. The challenge for Benzarti is to ensure that the result becomes the foundation for a sustained title challenge rather than an isolated success.
