Angola kept their unbeaten record intact in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers after securing a dramatic 1-1 draw against Libya at the Benina Martyrs Stadium on Thursday, March 20.
Despite falling behind late in the game, Fredy’s stoppage-time equaliser ensured that the Black Sable Antelopes remained in contention for a World Cup spot.
Angola Hold Firm as Libya Miss Chance to Go Top
The result sees *Angola stay in fourth place, **one point behind Libya, who missed a golden opportunity to move to the top of the group. * Cape Verde had briefly claimed first place earlier in the day with a *1-0 win over Mauritius, but *Cameroon’s goalless draw against Eswatini left the group wide open.
Libya, knowing a win would take them to the summit, started aggressively and nearly went ahead in the fifth minute, but Neblu made a fine save to deny Ahmed Krawa’a after a rebound from a corner.
Angola responded swiftly, with Zini testing Murad Al-Wuheeshi in the 10th minute, before Manuel Benson forced another save from the Libyan goalkeeper 10 minutes later. Al-Wuheeshi then pulled off a stunning double save, denying Zini and Gelson Dala in quick succession.
Despite both teams creating chances, the first half ended goalless, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
Second-Half Drama and Late Angola Equaliser
At halftime, Libya coach Aliou Cissé made *two changes, introducing *Muaid Ellafi and Faisal Al-Badri to add attacking firepower. The decision *paid off in the 74th minute, when *Mohammed Salih Ali Sola delivered a perfect cross for *Ellafi, who headed home to give *Libya a 1-0 lead.
With time running out, Angola pushed forward relentlessly in search of an equaliser. Their persistence was rewarded *deep into stoppage time, as *Fredy found the back of the net in the 93rd minute, sparking wild celebrations among the visitors.
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What’s Next?
The draw *keeps Angola’s qualification hopes alive, while Libya will be disappointed to have let **a crucial win slip away. With the group **wide open, every point will be vital as the teams *battle for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Final Score:
Libya (0) 1 – Ellafi (74′)
Angola (0) 1 – Fredy (90+3′)
