Libya out to topple Egypt from top spot

Libya will be on a revenge mission when they face Egypt in a 2022 Fifa World Cup qualification Group F match at the 28 March Stadium in Benghazi on Monday.

Kick-off is at 9pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).

The Mediterranean Knights recorded their first defeat in Group F when they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Egypt away on Friday having won their first two games against Gabon and Angola. 

Therefore, Libya are placed second on the group standings - just a point behind leaders Egypt as the two North African giants battle to finish at the top of this qualifying group.

Javier Clemente, the Libya head coach, stressed that they have a special job to do as he looks to mastermind a victory over their much-fancied opponents. 

“Today’s loss put Egypt top of the group and one point ahead of us, but during the next match in Libya, we will do a special job," Clemente said after Friday's match. 

“I don’t have a specific plan for the next game, but I hope we are better and clinch the three points. We hope luck is on our side the next game, which will be a crucial one for both teams."

Meanwhile, Egypt registered their second victory in Group F when they edged out Libya and they remain the only undefeated side in the group with three matches left.

The Pharaohs are placed at the top of the group standings and they will be looking to defeat the Mediterranean Knights in order to open a gap at the top.

Carlos Queiroz, the Egypt head coach, described their group as difficult and he explained that he is not expecting an easy match against their neighbours. 

"The players were focused against Libya and were fighting for every ball. Our performance was good and we caused them problems, and without a doubt, we deserved to win," Queiroz said. 

“The Egyptian players are doing their best, and preparations for the next match against Libya have started from now on. The group is difficult and the game won't be easy."

The last time Libya hosted Egypt in a competitive match was on 8 October 2004.

The Mediterranean Knights stunned the Pharaohs as they ran out 2-1 winners in the 2006 Fifa World Cup qualifier in Tripoli.