Libya head coach Nasser Al-Hadiri has heaped praise on his players for staying patient and sticking to his pivot strategy during their shock 1-0 triumph over Rwanda in the AFCON 2025 qualifier in Kigali on Thursday, November 14.
The visitors suffered throughout the game but they overcame the home crowd pressure inside Amahoro Stadium and managed to withstand Amavubi’s relentless attacks as they instead put the home side to the sword with an 84th minute winner through substitute Fahd Mohamed Al Mesmary.
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Al-Hadiri acknowledged Rwanda’s skill, noting that he was aware of their advantage in possession and chance creation but his game plan, centered around patience and a solid defensive approach, prevailed.
"We knew Rwanda was the stronger team in terms of ball control and opportunities,” he admitted.
"Our strategy was to stay patient, defend well, and wait for the right counterattacking moment.”
Victory in Kigali brought Libya back in the race for a qualification to the ACFON 2025 finals in Morocco.
A 1-1 draw against Benin in Abidjan was enough for Nigeria to cement their ticket to the continental football tournament and one more ticket is now up for grabs for the team which will finish in second place.
Despite loss in Kigali, Rwanda remain in contention while an even more tense match awaits in Tripoli as Libya prepares to host Benin in another qualification showdown on November 18.
Group D as it stands:
Nigeria 11 points (Qualified)
Benin 7 points
Rwanda 5 points
Libya 4 points