In a stunning upset, Libya has emerged victorious over Morocco with a 71-63 triumph in Game 2 of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Zone 1 Pre-Qualifiers, sending shockwaves through the continent.
The decisive victory, sealed in Monastir, Tunisia, marks Libya’s remarkable journey to clinch the only ticket available for Africa Zone 1 teams for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers.
Libya’s triumph was a testament to their resilience and skill, leading from start to finish with a commanding performance that saw them establish a lead of 23 points, signaling their dominance over the series. Despite a brief resurgence from Morocco, highlighted by a 10-0 run, the North African nation struggled to find their rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc where they managed to convert just 2 of 24 three-point attempts.
Jalal Salem Saeid emerged as a standout player for Libya, delivering a stellar performance with 19 points and 12 rebounds, earning himself the title of man-of-the-match. Supported by Naseim Ismail Salem Badrush, Sofian Hamad, and Ghayth Alrahman Almaghribi, Libya showcased exceptional teamwork and strategic play, finishing with 18 assists compared to Morocco’s 8.
Despite the valiant efforts of Jihad Benchlikha and Badr Eddine Azouga for Morocco, the team fell short of securing a spot in the AfroBasket Qualifiers for the second consecutive time, facing disappointment as Libya celebrated their historic achievement. The loss for Morocco means they will miss out on the AfroBasket for the second consecutive edition, casting doubt on their return until the 2029 tournament.
For Libya, the victory represents a significant milestone as they set their sights on a return to FIBA Africa’s flagship tournament for the first time since 2009, bolstering their chances of making a mark on the international stage once again. As Libya revels in their triumph, basketball fans await their upcoming campaign in Group B of the AfroBasket Qualifiers, where they will face off against formidable opponents from Cape Verde, Nigeria, and Uganda from 23-25 February.
