ADBGQ2021: Libya beat Gabon to finish fifth in Deaflympic qualifiers

Super-sub Amhed Arkeidi grabbed a second half brace to propel Libya to fifth place in a 3-2 victory over Gabon at the ongoing Africa Defalympics Ball Games Qualifiers at Moi Internationals Sports Centre, Kasarani

The was the second classification match of the tournament, Kenya having played in the first classification match on Monday 20 September at the same venue to pick a 5-2 win over Somaliland and finish seventh in the eight-team tournament.

It was a sea-saw affair from the first whistle as the forwards from both teams leveraged on their ealier chances.

But as the first half wore on, the Libyans survived numerous scares from Justin Bene and his team-mates. But Libyan goalkeeper Amhemed Fidan stood tall to thwart several Gabonese chances.

Gabonese striker Bene tormented Libyan defenders in the area but by virtue of his individualistic approach to play, he squandered several chances from resultant tackles.

After a very tight first quarter, Gabon went to the break a goal up, and deservedly so, after Ibrahim Adjagbe’s 40th minute strike. 

In the early minutes of the second half, Libya dictated the pace with some good build ups from mid-field. Their efforts were rewarded when Ahmed fired home the equalizer in the 52nd minute. 

Libya took the lead in the 60th minute courtesy of Abdulaziz Salim's freekick that flew to the right of goal leaving the Gabon keeper, who had taken centre position on goal post helpless.

ADBGQ2021: Kenya pick first win against Somaliland on classification matches

However, Gabon’s Darik Dikombou level matters ten minutes later tapping home the equalizer from a goal-mouth melee. Ahmed broke the hearts of hard-fighting Gabon outfit when he notched home the winning goal in the in the 77th minute.

"We started the championship on a low but we recovered and are happy for a fifth place. We are hoping to build on this performance going forward. We picked valuable lessons here after playing very tough opposition like Egypt in the group stages," said Libya skipper Akeidi.

With the classification positions decided attention shifts to the semis set for Wednesday 22 September.

Egypt play Senegal while Cameroon takes on Mali in an all-West African affair.

The Africa Ball Games Qualifiers in Nairobi are being used to select teams for the Deaflympics Summer Games slated for Brazil in 2022. Only one team in each discipline will qualify to represent the continent.