2008–09 Libyan Premier League
The 2008–09 Libyan Premier League season was the 42nd edition of the competition since its establishment in 1963. Al Ittihad were the defending champions, having won their fourteenth Libyan Premier League title with just one round of matches to spare in the previous season. The campaign began on Friday October 17, 2008,[1][2] delayed due to Libya's World Cup qualifiers, and, depending on the Libyan Cup, is scheduled to finish on June 26, 2009.[3] A total of 16 teams contested the league, including 13 who competed in the previous season and three promoted from the Libyan Second Division. (see 2007–08 Libyan Second Division)
Season | 2008–09 |
---|---|
Champions | Ittihad Tripoli |
Relegated | Wahda Tripoli Jazeera Wefaq Sabratha Aman al Aam |
Champions League | Ittihad Tripoli Ahly Benghazi |
Confederation Cup | Ahly Tripoli Tersanah (via cup) |
Goals scored | 572 |
Average goals/game | 3.18 |
Top goalscorer | Samir Al Wahaj (Tersanah) - 19 goals |
Biggest home win | Ittihad 6–1 Wahda Tripoli (21 May 2009) |
Biggest away win | Shat 1–9 Ahly Tripoli (5 June 2009) |
Highest scoring | Shat 1–9 Ahly Tripoli (5 June 2009) (10 goals) |
Longest unbeaten run | Ahly Benghazi - 16 matches (2009-02-08 to 2009-06-23) |
Longest losing run | Wahda Tripoli - 8 matches (2008-12-27 to 2009-03-27) |
← 2007–08 2009–10 → |
The first goal of the season was scored by newly promoted Wefaq Sabratha's Stefan de Paul against 2003-04 champions Al Olomby in the thirty-second minute of the game on the opening day of the season on October 17.[4][5] Atef Hussein of Al Olomby scored the first hat-trick of the season against Al Sweahly on December 16, netting two in the final six minutes to help his side to a 3–3 draw.[6][7]
The season paused for its usual mid-season break. However, this season's break was extended due to the national team's participation in the 2009 African Championship of Nations, and participation (at club level) in Africa's continental competitions. The season continued on March 13.[8]
Wahda Tripoli were the first club to be relegated following a 4–1 defeat to Ahly Benghazi on May 28, 2009.[9]Wefaq Sabratha's relegation was also confirmed on June 18, 2009 despite defeating Jazeera 4–1, as other results went against them. Jazeera's defeat also meant that they would not be remaining in the division for next season.[10] Aman al Aam were relegated on the final day of the season. Although they defeated Khaleej Sirte 2–0, they needed Hilal Benghazi to lose to Sweahly to stay up on head-to-head record. Hilal secured a 0–0 draw, ensuring their survival by one point.
Ittihad Tripoli won the title on June 19, 2009 after defeating Sweahly 2–1 to gain an unassailable lead over second-placed Ahly Benghazi. This was Ittihad's 5th league title in succession, and their 15th overall.[11][12]
Promotion and relegation
Teams promoted from 2007–08 Libyan Second Division
- Champions: Hilal
- Promoted:
- Play-Offs: Wefaq Sabratha
Teams relegated to Libyan Second Division 2008–09
League table
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ittihad (C) | 30 | 22 | 5 | 3 | 54 | 15 | +39 | 71 | 2010 CAF Champions League |
2 | Ahly Benghazi | 30 | 20 | 7 | 3 | 60 | 24 | +36 | 67 | |
3 | Ahly Tripoli | 30 | 20 | 6 | 4 | 62 | 24 | +38 | 66 | 2010 CAF Confederation Cup |
4 | Akhdar | 30 | 14 | 5 | 11 | 37 | 29 | +8 | 47 | |
5 | Nasr | 30 | 13 | 7 | 10 | 38 | 31 | +7 | 46 | |
6 | Khaleej Sirte | 30 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 31 | 33 | −2 | 42 | |
7 | Tersanah | 30 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 35 | 34 | +1 | 40[lower-alpha 1] | 2010 CAF Confederation Cup[lower-alpha 2] |
8 | Sweahly | 30 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 34 | 34 | 0 | 40[lower-alpha 1] | |
9 | Madina | 30 | 9 | 12 | 9 | 28 | 27 | +1 | 39 | |
10 | Shat | 30 | 9 | 8 | 13 | 43 | 57 | −14 | 35[lower-alpha 3] | |
11 | Olomby | 30 | 7 | 14 | 9 | 35 | 39 | −4 | 35[lower-alpha 3] | |
12 | Hilal | 30 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 25 | 42 | −17 | 31 | |
13 | Aman al Aam (R) | 30 | 8 | 6 | 16 | 22 | 37 | −15 | 30 | Relegation to Libyan Second Division |
14 | Wefaq Sabratha (R) | 30 | 6 | 11 | 13 | 22 | 33 | −11 | 29 | |
15 | Jazeera (R) | 30 | 8 | 2 | 20 | 21 | 49 | −28 | 22[lower-alpha 4] | |
16 | Wahda (R) | 30 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 25 | 65 | −40 | 11 |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head goals scored; 5) goal difference; 6) number of goals scored.
(C) Champions; (R) Relegated
Notes:
- TER 2–1 SWE; SWE 2–1 TER
- Tersanah qualify for CAF Confederation Cup as cup runners-up, as Ittihad had already secured a CAF Champions League place
- OLY 0–1 SHT; SHT 5–2 OLY
- Jazeera deducted four points[13][14][15][16]
Results
Team summary
Club | City | Stadium | Manager | Sponsor | Kit Supplier | Position Last Season |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ahly | Benghazi | March 28 Stadium1 | Draghon | Kia, Libyana | Nike | 3rd |
Ahly | Tripoli | June 11 Stadium | Nourredine al Sa'adi | Al Madar al Jadeed | Nike | 2nd |
Akhdar | Bayda | Green Document Stadium | Omar al Dheeb | Al Madar al Jadeed | Adidas | 4th |
Hilal | Benghazi | 28 March Stadium1 | Ahmed al Sanfaaz | Al Madar al Jadeed | Nike | 1st, Group C (Second Division - Champions) |
Ittihad | Tripoli | June 11 Stadium | Stefano Cusin | Total S.A., Al Madar al Jadeed | Puma | 1st |
Jazeera | Zuwara | Zuwara Stadium2 | Lutfi Jabbara | Al Madar al Jadeed | Adidas | 10th |
Madina | Tripoli | 11 June Stadium | Mansour Saeed | Libyana | Diadora | 7th |
Nasr | Benghazi | March 28 Stadium1 | Naser al Hdairy | Libyana | Puma | 6th |
Olomby | Zawiya | Zaawia Stadium | Izzedine Khmealah | Kia, Libyana | Nike | 8th |
Shat | Tripoli | GMR Stadium | Lutfi Sellami | Libyana | Puma | 9th |
Sweahly | Misrata | 9th July Stadium | Khamees Alabaidy | Min Ajlikum | Puma | 1st, Group A (Second Division) |
Tersanah | Tripoli | Ali Alsgozy Stadium | Khalid al Marjiny | Min Ajlikum | Adidas | 11th |
Wahda | Tripoli | GMR Stadium | Otkar Barec | Min Ajlikum | Adidas | 12th |
Aman al 'Aam | Tripoli | GMR Stadium | Abdulraouf Bnour | Min Ajlikum | Diadora | 1st, Group B (Second Division) |
Khaleej | Sirte | March 2 Stadium | Abdelhafidh Arbeesh | Libyana | Adidas | 5th |
Wefaq | Sabratha | Sabratha Stadium Ajaylat Stadium3 |
Tariq Thabit | Al Madar al Jadeed | Nike | 2nd, Group A (Second Division) Promoted via playoffs |
1 As the 28 March Stadium was not re-opened until October 22, 2008, Benghazi clubs played at stadia selected by the Libyan Football Federation. Some fixtures were also re-arranged so that these clubs played away from home for rounds 1 & 2.
2 Due to Al Jazeera's ban from their Zuwara Stadium, the club will play their remaining home games at 9 July Stadium for the remainder of the season.
3 Wefaq Sabratha's used the Ajaylat Stadium from rounds 1-8 as their own Sabratha Stadium was undergoing maintenance.
NB: The newly constructed Benina Stadium will be used to host matches held in Benghazi, as the 28 March Stadium is undergoing maintenance. The 28 March Stadium will not be in use for the rest of this season.[21]
Awards
- Best fans : Ittihad Tripoli[22]
- Best foreign player : Samer Saeed of Ahly Tripoli[22]
- Best young player : Abdulaziz Belreesh of Ittihad Tripoli[22]
- Best goalkeeper : Samir Aboud of Ittihad Tripoli[22]
- Best defender : Younes Al Shibani of Ittihad Tripoli[22]
- Best midfielder : Mohamed Esnany of Ittihad Tripoli[22]
- Best striker : Ahmed Zuway of Ittihad Tripoli[22]
Season statistics
Goals
- First match of the season: October 17, 2008 - Akhdar vs. Tersanah, 14:00 EET[23]
- First goal of the season: Stefan de Paul for Wefaq Sabratha against Olomby, 38 minutes and 46 seconds (October 17, 2008)[23]
- Last goal of the season: Adnan Belaid for Ahly Tripoli against Tersanah, 84th minute (June 26, 2009)
- Fastest goal of the season: 11 seconds - Ismael Bangoura for Al Sweahly against Al Ahly Tripoli (March 25, 2009)[24]
- First own goal of the season: Jasim al Toumi (Wahda) for Nasr, 90+1 minutes and 32 seconds (April 11, 2009)
- Goal scored at latest point in a match: 90+6 minutes and 36 seconds - Imad al Traiky for Tersanah against Aman al Aam (December 16, 2008)[6][7]
- Widest winning margin: 8 goals: Shat 1–9 Ahly Tripoli (June 5, 2009)[25]
- Most goals in a match: 10 goals: Shat 1–9 Ahly Tripoli (June 5, 2009)[25]
- Most goals in one half: 6 goals - Shat 1–9 Ahly Tripoli (June 5, 2009) 0–4 half time, 1–9 final[25]
- Most goals scored by one player in a match: 4 goals - Pierre Koulibaly (Ittihad Tripoli) against Wahda Tripoli, 16' (pen.) 24' 29' 81' (21 May 2009)[26]
- First hat-trick: Atef Hussein for Olomby vs Sweahly (December 17, 2008)[6][7]
- Fastest hat-trick: Pierre Koulibaly (Ittihad Tripoli) against Wahda (May 21, 2009); 16' (pen.) 24' 29' (13 minutes and 28 seconds)[26]
- Most goals in one half by a single team: 5 goals - Shat vs. Ahly Tripoli (21 May 2009) 0–4 at half time, 1–9 final[25]
Discipline
- First sending off of the season: Imaad al Khafi for Tersanah against Akhdar - October 17, 2008 (62nd minute)[23][27]
- Card given at latest point in a game: Mahmoud Makhlouf (red) at 90+8 minutes and 4 seconds for Ittihad against Jazeera (January 16, 2009)
- First match referred by a Libyan referee: Akhdar vs. Tersanah (October 17, 2008 - Mohammed Azzallawi)[27]
- First match refereed by a foreign referee: Ahly Tripoli vs. Ahly Benghazi (October 17, 2008 - Khalil Rouaissi)[27]
- Most red cards in a single match: 4: Akhdar 1–0 Khaleej Sirte - 2 for Akhdar (Khalifa al Mear & Marei Al Ramly) and 2 for Khaleej (Mohammad Abu Rqiqa & Mohammad Shleeq) (June 13, 2009)
Other
- Longest injury time of season: 15 minutes, 4 seconds - Ahly Tripoli 0–2 Ittihad Tripoli (June 10, 2009)
Top scorers
As of June 26, 2009
Rank | Scorer | Club | Goals[28] |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Samir al Wahaj | Tersanah | 19 |
2 | Ahmed Abdelkafi | Shat | 17 |
3 | Nader Kara | Ahly Tripoli | 14 |
4 | Sarra Camara | Nasr | 12 |
Ibrahim al Khalil | Ahly Benghazi | ||
6 | Atef Hussain1 | Ittihad | 11 |
Ahmed Zuway | Ittihad | ||
8 | Abdelhameed Zidane | Akhdar | 10 |
9 | Ahmed Saad | Ahly Tripoli | 9 |
Moataz Ben Amer | Ahly Benghazi | ||
Younes Baltahaam | Ahly Benghazi | ||
12 | Wisaam Boukteaf | Akhdar | 8 |
Abdelmajid Eddine | Nasr |
1 7 goals for Al Olomby
Stadia
Team | Stadium | Capacity |
---|---|---|
Ittihad Ahly Tripoli Madina | 11 June Stadium | 60,000 |
Ahly Benghazi Nasr Hilal | 28 March Stadium Martyrs of February Stadium | 50,000 10,550 |
Olomby | Zaawia Stadium | 14,000 |
Akhdar | Al Bayda Stadium | 9,000 |
Sweahly | 9 July Stadium | 8,000 |
Aman al Aam Wahda Shat | GMR Stadium | 6,000 |
Tersana | Ali Alsgozy Stadium | 4,000 |
Khaleej Sirte | 2 March Stadium | 3,000 |
Jazeera | Zuwara Stadium | 2,000 |
Wefaq Sabratha | Sabratha Stadium | 2,000 |
See also
References
- N.B : Registration required to access archived articles on kooora.com
- al Jaziri, Osama (2008-10-03). "Fixtures for 2008-09 Libyan Premier League season announced" (in Arabic). kooora.com. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
- "Keenly-Anticipated 2008/09 Libyan Football League Season Kicks-off Friday". Tripoli Post. 2008-10-17. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
- Remaining dates for league fixtures (in Arabic) LFF, June 13, 2009, Retrieved June 13, 2009
- Libyan Premier League 2008-09 Statistics
- al Jaziri, Osama (2008-10-17). "Round-up of Round 1 Fixtures" (in Arabic). kooora.com. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
- See 2008-09 Libyan Premier League#Round 8
- "Khaleej Sirte Miss Golden Chance to Share top Billing". Tripoli Post. 2008-12-17. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
- "Libyan Football Federation releases fixtures for Round 16" (in Arabic). kooora.com. 2008-03-10. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
- Tripoli Post (2009-05-30). "In Al-Ahli Tripoli's Absence Al-Ittihad Open Four-point Lead at the Top". Tripoli Post. Retrieved 2009-05-30.
- Osama al Jaziri (2009-06-18). "الدوري الليبي : هبوط وفاق صبراتة والجزيرة , والهلال والأمن العام يجددا الأمال في البقاء". kooora.com. Retrieved 2009-06-19.
- Ali al Abaar (2009-06-19). "الأتحاد يعزز رقمه القياسى .. يتخطى السويحلى ويتوج بطلا للدورى الليبى للمرة الخامسة عشرة فى تاريخه". kooora.com. Retrieved 2009-06-19.
- "Al-Ittihad Are 2008/09 Libyan Champions; Defeat for Al-Ahli Tripoli Makes it Much Easier". Tripoli Post. 2009-06-20. Archived from the original on 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2009-06-20.
- "Al-Jazeera Sanctioned for Causing Abandonment". Tripoli Post. 2008-01-29. Archived from the original on 2015-10-01. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
- 18 January 2009, Libyan Competitions Committee Releases Statement on Jazeera-Ittihad match (in Arabic), kooora.com, Accessed 18 January, 2009
- 20 January 2009, Information about Sweahly-Jazeera match (in Arabic), kooora.com, Accessed January 20, 2009
- 26 January 2009, Libyan Football Federation punishes Jazeera (in Arabic), kooora.com, Accessed January 26, 2009
- "Al-Ahli Inflict First Defeat on Alakhdar in Eventful Game". Tripoli Post. 2008-11-04. Retrieved 2009-04-20.
- "Penalty-goal Paves Way for Al-Ahli of Tripoli's Convincing Win". Tripoli Post. 2008-12-22. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
- "Benghazi's Al-Ahli Suffer First Loss; Tripoli's Match with Al-Jazeera Suspended". Tripoli Post. 2008-11-15. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
- "Al-Ahli of Tripoli Win 'abandoned' match after 45 minutes on Neutral Ground". Tripoli Post. 2008-11-17. Retrieved 2009-04-20.
- Benghazi clubs to use Martyrs of February Stadium for league matches (in Arabic)
- al Jaziri, Osama (2009-08-03). سمير عبود أفضل حارس وأحمد الزوي أفضل مهاجم في الدوري الليبي حسب إستفتاء منتدى كووورة ليبية (in Arabic). kooora.com. Retrieved 2009-08-14.
- "Ten-man Al-Ahli of Tripoli Save a Point on Football League's Opening Day". Tripoli Post. 2008-10-18. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
- "Al-Ahli's Home Defeat Leaves Al-Ittihad to Enjoy League Leadership". Tripoli Post. 2008-03-28. Retrieved 2009-04-19.
- Tripoli Post (2009-06-07). "Al-Ahli Tripoli Hit Nine Goals to Register Season's Biggest Victory". Tripoli Post. Retrieved 2009-06-07.
- Tripoli Post (2009-05-23). "Koulibaly nets four in Al-Ittihad's Convincing Win Over Bottom Team". Tripoli Post. Retrieved 2009-06-05.
- See 2008-09 Libyan Premier League#Round 1
- "List of Scorers". LFF (in Arabic). LFF. Archived from the original on 14 June 2009. Retrieved 14 June 2009.