Libyans cheer return of international matches | Reuters

Libyans cheer return of international matches

By Mohammed Al Tommy

BENGHAZI, Libya | Tue Feb 21, 2012 2:19am IST
 

(Reuters) - Libyan soccer fans of all ages came out to cheer the first international matches played in the North African country since the conflict that ousted Muammar Gaddafi amid hope Monday's games would be the start of many more to come.

CSKA Sofia, the 31-times Bulgarian champions, were the first foreign team to play in Libya after the uprising against Gaddafi's rule erupted on February 17 last year.

Although the "Benina Martyrs" stadium in the eastern city of Benghazi was not full, about 1,000 Libyan men, women and children came to support the two home sides playing, Al Ahli Tripoli and Al Nasr Benghazi."We feel more comfortable now. We watched football matches without interest during the revolution but it is different now and it feels great," Libyan fan Saad Mohammed al-Breghathy, said. "I wish the Libyan national team all the best as well for Libyan football in general."

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