Libya staged a dramatic late comeback to draw 2-2 with Botswana in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, scoring twice in the final minutes to recover from a two-goal deficit.
Botswana appeared set to take all three points after Tumisang Orebonye scored twice before half-time. But Libya refused to give up, with Marwan Al-Habishi reducing the deficit in the 87th minute before Ezzeddine Al-Merimi converted a stoppage-time penalty to secure a share of the points.
The result leaves both sides with one point from their opening Group H fixture.
Botswana had taken control of the match during a dominant first half, with Orebonye providing the finishing touch on two occasions. His first goal came in the 30th minute, giving Botswana the lead after the visitors had established an advantage.
Orebonye then struck again shortly before the interval, scoring in the 42nd minute to leave Libya facing a two-goal deficit at half-time.
The hosts struggled to contain Botswana during the opening 45 minutes and went into the break needing a significant response. That reaction came after the interval, as Libya increased the pressure and began searching for a route back into the contest.
Their efforts eventually produced a breakthrough with only three minutes of normal time remaining. Al-Habishi scored in the 87th minute to bring Libya within one goal and set up a tense closing period.
The late goal changed the momentum of the match. Libya continued to push forward as they sought an equaliser, while Botswana were unable to protect the advantage they had built during the first half.
Libya’s persistence was rewarded again deep into stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty. Al-Merimi stepped up and converted from the spot in the 96th minute, completing the comeback and ensuring the match ended 2-2.
The result means Libya and Botswana each take a point from the first match of their Group H campaigns. Botswana will be left to reflect on surrendering a two-goal lead, while Libya will take encouragement from their response after being two goals behind at half-time.
The match was the opening fixture for both teams in the qualifying competition for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Libya and Botswana are in Group H alongside Tunisia and Uganda. The qualifying phase features 48 teams split into 12 groups of four, with the matches being played across six matchweeks.
The qualification structure is affected by the status of the three countries hosting the 2027 tournament. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will qualify automatically because they are co-hosts, meaning the groups containing those nations have a different qualification situation.
For Libya, the comeback against Botswana provides an important point from their opening Group H match after they had appeared to be heading for defeat. Botswana, meanwhile, will have to regroup after seeing their two-goal half-time advantage disappear in the closing stages.
What appeared to be a comfortable Botswana victory was transformed into a dramatic contest by Libya’s late response, with the hosts scoring in the 87th and 96th minutes to secure a 2-2 draw.
