adminA 4-2 penalty shoot-out win sent Libya into their first ever CAF African Nations Championship semi-final after 120 minutes of action against Gabon at the Peter Mokaba Stadium yesterday finished 1-1.
Libya will now face Zimbabwe, who beat Mali 2-1 in the other semi-final match on Saturday.
The first half ended 0-0 with both teams missing glorious chances. In the 50th minute, very much against the run of play, a swift counter-attack by Libya saw Abdelsalam Omar through on goal and he showed composure under pressure as he lobbed the on-rushing goalkeeper from just outside the box, 1-0.
Finally, in the 72nd minute Gabon were rewarded for their pressure when Fetori pulled Lionel Yackouya down inside the box and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Daniel Cousin then restored parity for Gabon with a cool finish, 1-1. Neither team could find the winner as the match ended 1-1 and moved into 30 minutes of extra-time.
Libya were perfect in the shoot-out and did not miss a spot-kick as they ran out 4-2 winners on penalties. — Supersport/Herald Reporter.
Online Reporter