Football Unites A Nation

Libya, a country surrounded by hostility and violence, overcame the struggles of national conflict on the football pitch to defy the odds and qualify for the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

The side, represented under a new flag, a new national anthem, and a new strip had a squad unity, despite the country’s fighting ripping the motherland in two.

However much like the nation awaiting the crucial result back home, the qualification process became a turbulent ride for the footballers too. Their own suffering included the side overcoming the effects of Ramadan during their first match, whilst their second game was overshadowed by the passing of their team doctor.

However all was forgotten after a heroic defensive display in Zambia, reflective of those caught up in the terror back home, meant the North Africans forced a 0-0 draw to ensure qualification.

The game typified the attitude of the nation’s people. In a never say die manner, the Libyan side, despite being on the back foot for so long stood firm, making sure the Zambian onslaught would result in nothing but frustration.

Within the Libyan ranks was veteran goalkeeper Samir Aboud, who produced two crucial saves to keep his nation’s hopes alive.

And despite the constant bombardment of Zambia’s attacks, when Aboud was twice beaten, the ball cannoned off the woodwork to rescue the nation.

With the score line still goalless, the final whistle in Chingola left Libyan’s with tears in their eyes, almost halting a whole nation’s fighting with celebration, and swapping the weapons in people’s hands with flags and banners.

For a country that had only seen their player’s line-up in Libya just once during their qualification process due to the ongoing situation surrounding Colonel Muammer Gaddafi, the result sparked an African carnival worthy of being seen again at the Equatorial Guinea and Gabon tournament next year.

In the squad, the nation now had something to be proud of, and a leader they praised. If only Colonel Gaddafi had the heart of national coach Marcos Paqueta. The Brazilian hadn’t been paid in six months, and yet stuck to the task in hand to ensure a country, not even his own, got through to appear in only their third African Nations.

Libya qualify as one of the best-placed runners up after Zambia qualified top of Group C, and the Libyan’s will now be looking to do better than their Round One exit stage at their 2006 outing.

They go into next January’s event with an unbeaten record, so many are hopeful the team have a chance of performing well, and emulating the 1982 squad that came second in the tournament.

Though that can wait, as the nation can celebrate what an achievement the national side have produced in just reaching the finals.

However, Libya may have qualified as one of the best-placed runners up, but runners up that night in Zambia they were not, as a whole nation can embrace them now as winners.