Sudan eliminates Libya in 2021 FIFA Arab Cup

Sudan’s national football team has this evening qualified for the group stage of the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup.

The Falcons defeated Libya 1-0 in the preliminary round match played at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

Mohamed Abdel Rahman converted a penalty to ensure Sudan made it to the next phase of the competition to be played between November and December this year in Qatar.

Defender Taher Aamer brought down Saifeldin Bakhit in the box before the referee awarded a penalty. Rahman made no mistake sending the Libyan goalkeeper Taher Aamer the wrong side in the 14th minute.

The Falcons continued to dominate the match although they did not take their chances at goal. Libya’s Asnosi Ammar also had his close shot miss by inches before half time.

In the second half the Mediterranean Knights came all out and tried to push forward for goals, but failed to break Sudan’s defence. Libya’s Moftah Taktak should have made it 1-1 after 82 minutes, but his shot was stopped.

Sudan now join African champions Algeria and Egypt in Group D, while the winner between Lebanon and Djibouti will also play in the same group.

“I am happy that the two friendly matches we played against Zambia helped us prepare well for this game against Libya,” said Sudan’s coach Hubert Velud.

On Sunday Somalia will battle Oman in the second match of the preliminary round, while South Sudan take on Jordan on June 21st and Djibouti battle Lebanon on June 23rd.