Libyas Mediterranean too mighty for the Heroes

lharaish Zakariah scored the only goal for Libya to seal a 1-0 win over Zanzibar in a group ‘A’ match at the Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos,  keeping them in contention for a semi final spot of the 2017 Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup.

The victory was Libya’s first win in the competition, but also marked a first defeat for Zanzibar.

Unlike the other three matches where Libya appeared less aggressive on goal, the North Africans attacked from the first whistle, seeking to end their goal-drought that had seen them end all their fixtures without a goal.

Alharaish Zakariah’s volley found Taktak Muftah in the box, his powerful diving header forcing goalkeeper Ahmed Suleiman Ali to punch out for a corner, in the second minute.

Zakariah threatened again two minutes later, this time beating Haji Mwinyi Mngwali on the aerial ball challenge only to head slightly over the bar.

Zanzibar’s first chance came in the 13th minute when Adeyum Ahmed Seif deflected a free kick rattling the crossbar.

Seif Abdalla Rashid followed with a grass cutter at the quarter hour- mark, after a sumptuous chest control to dodge Elbarasi Taher, but custodian Azzaqah Ahmed was alert to deny him.

Libya’s moment came in the 25th minute , when Zakaria dispossessed Abdalla Haji Shaib before unleashing a cracker that flew past Suleiman, to register the opener.

Zanzibar responded immediately with  Abdul-Samad Kassim Ali cross missing everyone.

Upon resumption, Libya made two changes, introducing Ibrahim Ahmad Ahmada and Mudathir Abbas Yahya,  both attackers, and they  seemed to add the bite upfront. Within five minutes, Mudathir had made two unsuccessful  attempts on goal.