BENGHAZI - Libyan soccer fans of all ages came out to cheer the first international matches played in the North African country since the conflict that ousted Muammar Gaddafi amid hope Monday's games would be the start of many more to come.
CSKA Sofia, the 31-time Bulgarian champions, were the first foreign team to play in Libya after the uprising against Gaddafi erupted in February last year.
Although the "Benina Martyrs" stadium in the eastern city of Benghazi was not full, about 1000 Libyan men, women and children came to support the two home sides playing, Al Ahli Tripoli and Al Nasr Benghazi.
"We feel more comfortable now. We watched football matches without interest during the revolution but it is different now and it feels great," said Libyan fan Saad Mohammed al-Breghathy. "I wish the Libyan national team all the best as well for Libyan football in general."
Waving the flag of Libya's new National Transitional Council, the crowd watched three 45-minute games, cheering loudly when the first goal - by Al Ahli Tripoli - was scored. Al Ahli Tripoli beat CSKA Sofia 1-0 but the Bulgarian team went on to beat Al Nasr Benghazi 1-0 in the second match. The Libyan teams then played each other, with Al Nasr Benghazi beating Al Ahli Tripoli 1-0.
During the game, men in the crowd beat drums as the crowd chanted slogans such as "Raise the Libyan flag" and "Whether you like it or not, Benghazi was the spark", referring to the start of Libyan uprising in the eastern city, which lies about 1000km from the capital Tripoli.
"This game and similar games will allow the Libyan championship to start again," said spectator Majdi al-Agouri, who works at Benghazi airport.
The Libyan league has been suspended since last February but clubs have continued to play in continental competitions. The national team used Mali and Egypt as their home grounds in the Afcon qualifiers and reached the finals.
Games back on in Libya
BENGHAZI - Libyan soccer fans of all ages came out to cheer the first international matches played in the North African country since the conflict that ousted Muammar Gaddafi amid hope Monday's games would be the start of many more to come.
CSKA Sofia, the 31-time Bulgarian champions, were the first foreign team to play in Libya after the uprising against Gaddafi erupted in February last year.
Although the "Benina Martyrs" stadium in the eastern city of Benghazi was not full, about 1000 Libyan men, women and children came to support the two home sides playing, Al Ahli Tripoli and Al Nasr Benghazi.
"We feel more comfortable now. We watched football matches without interest during the revolution but it is different now and it feels great," said Libyan fan Saad Mohammed al-Breghathy. "I wish the Libyan national team all the best as well for Libyan football in general."
Waving the flag of Libya's new National Transitional Council, the crowd watched three 45-minute games, cheering loudly when the first goal - by Al Ahli Tripoli - was scored. Al Ahli Tripoli beat CSKA Sofia 1-0 but the Bulgarian team went on to beat Al Nasr Benghazi 1-0 in the second match. The Libyan teams then played each other, with Al Nasr Benghazi beating Al Ahli Tripoli 1-0.
During the game, men in the crowd beat drums as the crowd chanted slogans such as "Raise the Libyan flag" and "Whether you like it or not, Benghazi was the spark", referring to the start of Libyan uprising in the eastern city, which lies about 1000km from the capital Tripoli.
"This game and similar games will allow the Libyan championship to start again," said spectator Majdi al-Agouri, who works at Benghazi airport.
The Libyan league has been suspended since last February but clubs have continued to play in continental competitions. The national team used Mali and Egypt as their home grounds in the Afcon qualifiers and reached the finals.
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