Al-Hilal Football Club has advanced to the final stage of the Libyan Premier League after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Al-Akhdar in a crucial match held on Friday in Sirte. With this win, Al-Hilal has secured the last spot among the six teams competing for the 2023-2024 league title. Ezeddine Al-Marimi scored both goals for Al-Hilal, while Angolan player Pablito Arie netted Al-Akhdar’s lone goal. The match featured three penalty kicks, with the decisive goal scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
This match was surrounded by controversy, as it was initially canceled in May due to Al-Akhdar’s withdrawal, followed by several conflicting decisions from the Libyan Football Federation committees and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) before it was rescheduled. The issue garnered significant attention throughout the Libyan football season until Al-Hilal’s victory settled it on the field.
The Libyan Football Federation announced that the final hexagonal stage will be held in Italy, provisionally starting in the first week of July, pending final confirmation with Italian authorities.
The six teams competing for the title are Ahly Benghazi, Al-Hilal, Al-Madina, Al-Nasr, Ahly Tripoli, and Al-Swehly. Matches will be held in three stadiums across the Italian cities of Florence, Empoli, and Pisa. The first round of the hexagonal stage will feature the following matchups: Al-Nasr vs. Al-Swehly, Al-Hilal vs. Ahly Benghazi, and Al-Madina vs. Ahly Tripoli.
This marks the first time Italy will host the final stage of the Libyan Premier League, following Tunisia’s hosting of the hexagonal championship in previous years.