In a troubling continuation of recent events, Benin captain Steve Mounie has criticized the shocking treatment his team endured during their trip to Libya for the final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. This comes just weeks after the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced a similarly hostile reception in the volatile North African nation.

A Volatile Battleground for AFCON Qualifiers

The Tripoli International Stadium was the stage for a high-stakes showdown between Libya and Benin, with both teams vying for a chance to secure a spot at AFCON 2025. Libya, with four points, needed a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive, while Benin, sitting on seven points, only required a draw to advance.

What unfolded, however, was far from the spirit of fair play. From the outset, the Beninoise players were met with hostility, with their national anthem drowned out by jeers from the home crowd. Mounie described the atmosphere as a “war zone,” stating that Libya showed no respect throughout the game.

The match ended in a tense goalless draw, sealing Benin’s qualification but dashing Libya’s hopes. Displeased with the outcome, Libyan fans reportedly attacked Benin players and staff as they attempted to leave the stadium.

Chaos and Violence

The violence escalated quickly. Benin’s coach, Gernot Rohr, sustained injuries during the chaos and had to be treated on the team bus. Mounie and his teammates were left shaken but determined.

“It wasn’t easy,” Mounie said after the incident. “This Libyan team, this country, and its supporters didn’t respect us. They whistled our anthem and created a hostile atmosphere. Despite the challenges, we achieved our goal. Benin is going to AFCON 2025, and we are proud of this group of young players.”

Repeated Incidents in Libya

This marks the second time in two months that Libya has become a flashpoint for controversy in CAF competitions. In October, Nigerian players and officials were left stranded for over 17 hours at a deserted airport due to poor coordination and security concerns. CAF eventually awarded Nigeria a 3-0 victory and fined Libya for their failure to host the match properly.

As of now, CAF has yet to issue a statement regarding the treatment of the Benin team, but calls for sanctions against Libya are growing louder.

The Bigger Picture

These incidents raise questions about Libya’s readiness to host international sporting events amidst its ongoing security challenges. For now, Benin can celebrate their hard-fought qualification, but the scars of this trip will not soon be forgotten.