Libya’s Under-23 side have called up three overseas-based players for the first time as they prepare for their opening Africa Cup of Nations U23 qualifying tie against Togo.
Coach Al-Hamali Al-Ashhab has included Mohamed El Ouedani, a Newcastle United youth player, and Swiss-based brothers Malik and Ashweed in his squad as Libya begin their bid to reach the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The tournament will serve as the qualifying route for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, increasing the importance of Libya’s campaign.
Libya will face Togo in the first round, with the first leg scheduled for 28 September 2026 and the return match on 6 October.
The Libyan side are determined to progress beyond the opening round and avoid an early elimination from a competition that offers a route to Olympic qualification.
Three overseas players receive first call-ups
El Ouedani, who is part of Newcastle United’s youth setup in England, is among the three players receiving their first invitation to the Libyan Olympic squad.
He will be joined by brothers Malik and Ashweed, who play for Swiss club Servette FC.
Their inclusion represents a new approach for Al-Ashhab as he seeks to strengthen his options ahead of the qualifying campaign.
A source told Winwin that the trio have been invited to join the national team’s training camp.
However, their participation in the training sessions in Tripoli remains subject to approval from their parents.
The coaching staff will therefore wait for the necessary consent before the three players can officially join the rest of the squad.
Their potential arrival would give Al-Ashhab an opportunity to assess players who have been developing outside Libya and determine how they could contribute to the team’s Olympic qualification ambitions.
Libya begin qualifying campaign against Togo
The draw has given Libya a first-round meeting with Togo, with the two sides set to meet twice.
The first match will be played on 28 September, followed by the return fixture on 6 October.
Libya’s immediate objective is to overcome Togo and advance to the second round of the qualification process.
Should they progress, the Libyan Olympic team will face Ghana in the next stage.
That tie is scheduled to begin with the first leg on 9 November before the second match takes place on 17 November.
The qualifying competition consists of three rounds, with seven teams eventually joining hosts Egypt at the U23 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
For Libya, reaching the tournament would represent an important achievement because of its connection to the Olympic Games.
Squad continue preparations in Tripoli
While discussions continue over the availability of the three overseas-based players, the rest of the Libyan squad are maintaining their preparations under Al-Ashhab.
The team are training on a daily basis as the coaching staff work on improving both physical and technical levels.
Another priority is developing understanding among the players before the competitive matches begin.
The coaching staff are also using the training period to assess different options and determine which combination of players will be best suited to facing Togo.
The inclusion of El Ouedani and the brothers Malik and Ashweed could give Al-Ashhab further alternatives as he finalises his squad.
The coach will be hoping the additional options can strengthen Libya’s chances of navigating a difficult qualifying route.
Olympic qualification provides extra motivation
The U23 Africa Cup of Nations is more than a continental tournament for the Libyan players.
The competition provides the pathway to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, giving the team an additional incentive to progress through the qualifying rounds.
Libya must first overcome Togo before thinking about a potential second-round meeting with Ghana.
A successful campaign would require the team to navigate three qualifying rounds and ultimately secure one of the seven available places alongside hosts Egypt.
That makes the opening tie particularly important, with failure against Togo ending Libya’s Olympic ambitions at the first hurdle.
Al-Hamali Al-Ashhab is therefore using the current training period to build a squad capable of competing over two legs and progressing through the qualification process.
The first-time call-ups of El Ouedani, Malik and Ashweed could form an important part of that strategy if they receive approval to join the team’s training camp in Tripoli.
For now, Libya’s preparations continue as the coaching staff work to improve the squad’s fitness, technical ability and cohesion.
The first test will come against Togo on 28 September, when Libya begin their attempt to reach the U23 Africa Cup of Nations and keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games alive.
