Libya kicked off their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over Botswana in Benghazi on Wednesday evening.
The winner was scored by Al Ahli forward Saleh Al Taher in the 54th minute.
Botswana looked organised in the opening exchanges and in the first 10 minutes they were not afraid to go forward as they enjoyed more possession.
Corentin Martins’ charges studied their movements and only went forward when they see gaps on the counter.
Mohammed Alhaddaj Touhami almost opened the scoring for Mediterranean Knights in the 21st minute with a well struck left footed shot from just outside the box but it missed narrowly wide.
The Zebra were beginning to show cracks at the back with 10 minutes of the first stanza remaining as they were always caught on counter-attacks.
Libya were nearly on the 42nd minute through Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, but the skipper placed his effort wide of the mark from inside the area.
Botswana looked more in control of the match in the opening five minutes of the second half although Libya still asked questions going forward.
However, it was the Mediterranean Knights who went ahead on the 54th minute after Botswana goalkeeper Phoko Goitseone punched the ball on Taher from a penalty save.
Mpho Kgaswane was unlucky on the hour-mark for the home side after his strike from inside the box was cleared off the line following a square ball from Tumisang Orebonye
Taher should have got his brace for Libya in the 72nd minute after going through on the right side of the box but he rushed his move and his strike came off the corner of the crossbar.
The Zebra continued to search for an equaliser in the closing minutes, however they could not bypass a resolute Knights defence.
Libya will travel to Equatorial Guinea in their next Group J outing on Monday, while Botswana will welcome Tunisia on Sunday.
