Thrilling Draw in Tripoli: Libya and Cape Verde Share Six Goals in Dramatic World Cup Qualifier

Tripoli, Libya — Under the floodlights of the Tripoli International Stadium, where hope and frustration mingled in equal measure, Libya and Cape Verde played out a pulsating 3-3 draw on Wednesday night—a result that leaves both teams pondering what might have been and what still lies ahead in the unforgiving marathon of World Cup qualifying in Africa.

The Match Unfolds

From the opening whistle, Cape Verde signaled their intent, pressing high and unsettling Libya’s defense with swift interchanges. The breakthrough came in the 29th minute, when Telmo Arcanjo surged into the box, sidestepping a last-ditch challenge before slotting coolly past the Libyan goalkeeper. The visiting fans erupted, sensing an opportunity to build on their recent momentum.

Libya, however, refused to be overawed. Buoyed by a vocal home crowd, they regrouped and, just before halftime, struck back. A floated cross from the right found its target in the box, and an unmarked Libyan forward—identity yet to be confirmed—nodded home to restore parity seconds before the interval.

Momentum Swings

The second half began with Libya growing in confidence, their midfield dictating tempo. In the 58th minute, another unnamed Libyan marksman pounced on a defensive lapse, firing low and hard to give the hosts the lead for the first time. Tripoli erupted as fans dared to dream of a statement victory.

But Cape Verde, a team that has made a habit of defying expectations, refused to yield. In the 76th minute, Sidny Lopes Cabral latched onto a pinpoint through ball, cut inside, and curled a sublime effort into the far corner—a goal worthy of any stage. The visitors were not done. Six minutes later, Willy Semedo, a halftime substitute, capitalized on a defensive miscue, steering the ball home to complete a stunning turnaround.

Yet, Libya—displaying the resilience that has defined their recent campaign—found a response. In the dying embers of the match, a Libyan forward was hauled down in the box. The referee pointed to the spot. The ensuing penalty, coolly converted, ensured the points were shared, the final whistle greeted with both relief and regret.

Context and Consequence

This result does little to clarify the path out of a fiercely contested group. Libya entered the clash on the back of consecutive 1-0 and 2-0 victories, suggesting a team finding its rhythm under pressure. Cape Verde, meanwhile, arrived with momentum of their own, having edged Cameroon and comfortably dispatched Mauritius. Both sides have shown they can grind out results, but this six-goal thriller exposed vulnerabilities as much as strengths.

Head-to-head history offers little separation—these teams have often canceled each other out in recent years, and this match only reinforced that narrative. The draw leaves them locked on points, with goal difference potentially the ultimate decider in a group where every fixture carries the weight of a final.

What Lies Ahead

For Libya, the challenge is clear: convert draws into wins, especially at home. Their defensive solidity has been a hallmark, but to reach the next stage, they must add a clinical edge in attack. Cape Verde, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities to put the game to bed but can take heart from their ability to fight back twice on hostile turf.

Both teams face a critical stretch. The margins in African World Cup qualifying are notoriously fine, and the psychological toll of dropped points can linger. Yet, if there is a lesson from Tripoli, it is that neither side will go quietly. Expect the race for qualification to go down to the wire—a testament to the drama, unpredictability, and sheer competitiveness that define football on the continent.

The Washington Post