Afrobasket: Libya aiming to return to the top table of African basketball
Libya made a strong start in the Afrobasket qualifying tournament. The Libyans could be heading to their first major tournament since 2009
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Libya have not played in a major basketball tournament since the Afrobasket hosted in 2009. But on the road to the 2025 continental tournament, the Libyans could well book a qualifying ticket. Drawn in Group B of the qualifiers, they began with two wins and a defeat last weekend in Tunisia. They beat Nigeria (89-82) and Uganda (71-59), and lost at the death to Cape Verde (68-72). It was all down to a new generation determined to put the country back on the African basketball map.
When Libya played in their last Afrobasket in 2009, most of these players were just kids. Jalal Saeid, Naseim Badrush, Sofian Hamad, Mohamed Sadi, Ghayth Almaghribi and Mohamed Buzgaiya are among the leaders of this new generation. Their coach Fouad Chakra says he is fortunate to have them. "I'm very lucky to have players like this, because they are fighters. They are very proud to represent their country. They make people in Libya dream and they are a tremendous source of inspiration for young people. It's wonderful to see and to be part of", he explained, as relayed by FIBA Africa.
Libya missing from the FIBA rankings
Indeed, because they no longer take part in tournaments and events, Libya are not even in the FIBA world rankings. Qualification would therefore be a resounding achievement for the country. Mohamed Sadi recalled his national team's last appearance. "I was a child when our country hosted the FIBA AfroBasket in 2009. One day, I picked up a shoe of Angola's No. 6 (Carlos Morais). He was my favourite player. And now I might be facing him at the FIBA AfroBasket. A dream is about to come true", he said.
The next qualifying rounds for Afrobasket 2025 will take place in November 2024, before wrapping up in February 2025. And one thing is certain: Libya will be a marked team. Uganda's coach is well aware of it. "Libya have a good team who play very hard. They are very well coached", said Mandy Juruni.
Read also: Afrobasket 2025 (Q): Ivory Coast, Tunisia and Cape Verde qualified, Angola and Egypt waiting