Al-Ittihad kept alive their hopes of securing a domestic double alive as Mokwena and Lorch progressed to the semi-finals of the Libyan Cup.
The side, guided by South African coach Rulani Mokwena and featuring compatriot Thembinkosi Lorch, prevailed 3-1 on penalties after a tightly contested quarter-final encounter ended 1-1 in regulation time.
Al-Ittihad initially took control of the match in the 13th minute when an own goal by Farouq Al Fleit handed them the advantage. However, their opponents responded late in the game, with Ibrahim Bourouis finding the equaliser in the 80th minute to force the tie into a penalty shootout.
In the decisive shootout, Lorch converted confidently, alongside Ahmad Benali and Adem Alilet, as Al-Ittihad held their nerve. Al Madina struggled under pressure, with only Ousmane Diabaté scoring from the spot, while Rabii Hamri, Moataz Al Jurnazi and Bourouis all failed to convert their efforts.
Goalkeeper Mouad Ellafi proved pivotal, saving three penalties to secure his side’s passage into the last four of the competition.
The victory keeps Mokwena on track for further silverware, having already secured a trophy outside South Africa during his spell with MC Alger. His current team will now face Al-Ahli Tripoli in the semi-finals on 31 May, with a place in the final at stake.
Elsewhere in the competition, Al-Ahly Benghazi advanced after a 2-1 win over Al Hilal, while Al Akhdar secured an emphatic 4-2 victory against Al Nasr. The two winning sides will meet in the other semi-final fixture.
Al-Ittihad’s strong cup run comes alongside an impressive league campaign. Mokwena’s team currently lead the Libyan Premier League standings with 39 points from 15 matches, placing them eight points ahead of second-placed Olympic Azzawiya SC, who have played one game more.
With both league and cup success within reach, Al-Ittihad remain firmly on course for a potential double this season, underlining the growing impact of Mokwena and Lorch in Libyan football.
