Published on Monday 30 January 2012 01:42
A BRACE from Al Busaifi Ihaab was not enough to send Libya through to the knockout stages of the African Nations Cup.
Marcos Paqueta’s men needed to win their Group A game against Senegal and hope Equatorial Guinea beat Zambia. Athough Ihaab’s double ensured a 2-1 victory, Zambia’s 1-0 win ensured it was nothing more than a proud farewell for Libya.
They and Senegal – who equalised through Deme N’Diaye – are both now out, with much-fancied Senegal leaving pointless.
Libya started well and got off to the perfect start, scoring in the fifth minute. However the lead was shortlived with N’Diaye nodding home Niang’s ninth-minute corner.
Senegal’s Souleymane Camara then saw his shot brilliantly saved by Samir Abod before his cross found Pape Malickou Diakhate whose header was also saved.
That was the last meaningful action until the hour mark, when Libya, searching for a second goal, saw Ahmed Zuway’s strike blocked. Mohamed El Moghrabi then found Abdalah Al Sherif but he missed the target while Papiss Cisse shot over the bar.
Libya’s second goal finally arrived with six minutes remaining as Zuway cushioned a long ball into the path of the onrushing Ihaab and he volleyed it into the bottom corner.
Senegal tried to level again but time was not on their side and Libya held on.
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