The first game of the weekend in the African Zone for qualification to the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany has finished 0-0 between Libya and Sudan, in Tripoli. The Group 3 also-rans were playing for pride, having relinquished any hope of qualifying months ago.

Libya have the better record, with three wins to their name, but after a good opening, their form has slipped and they haven’t won a group match this year. Sudan have been alternating with Benin at the bottom of the group since matches began in June 2004. They managed their one and only victory little more than two weeks ago when they overcame Benin 1-0, in Omdurman.

The game kicked off earlier this afternoon, and within seconds the Sudan goal was threatened, goalkeeper Elmuez Abdalla rushing from his line to gather the ball. This pattern continued for the first thirty minutes, Libya winning a number of corners and going close on several occasions. Abdalla did well again after sixteen minutes using his feet to stop a strong header from Ahmed Osman.

The Sudanese had their first chance after twenty minutes, Faisal Agab’s header going narrowly wide following a free kick. At the half hour Agab was again in the right place, at the right time, with a powerful shot forcing a good save from Alejandro in the Libyan goal. Sudan continued to press, having two more good chances in quick succession, the second just needing a touch as it rolled agonisingly across the face of the goal.

After the restart, Libya dominated the first twenty minutes, but wasteful finishing and good goalkeeping from Abdalla, thwarted them. He was involved again after 68 minutes when the ball deflected off him and only a last ditch goal line clearance prevented Libya from taking the lead.

Sudan had their first chance of the half, from a free kick, after 72 minutes. But it was easily dealt with by Alejandro. He did well again two minutes later, neatly gathering a dangerous cross, after a good move by Sudan. More good work from the Libyan goalkeeper saw off any lingering Sudanese threat, and it was their own goalkeeper, Abdalla, making a brilliant save six minutes into added time, who kept his side in the match. It was the last significant action of the game, with referee Lassina Pare blowing for full time seconds later.

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