Benghazi face Pirates in 1st CAF club match since 2010

Al Ahly Benghazi will become the first Libyan club since 2010 to host a CAF club match when they tackle South African visitors Orlando Pirates Sunday in the Confederation Cup.

Deadly violence in the post-Moamer Kadhafi era forced Libyan national teams and clubs to stage home matches in exile, mostly Tunisia and Egypt.

A recent United Nations-supervised deal has restored calm to the country and Benghazi hosted an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tunisia last week. Libyans are excited following the return of competitive football in the country. The match against visiting Orlando Pirates promises to be yet another opportunity for soccer lovers in the country to enjoy good football, and there is no doubt that Al Ahly will come out smoking.

Meanwhile former Pirates star Joseph Makhanya has advised German coch Josef Zinnbauer to sharpen his attack and lay siege to the Benghazi goalmouth in pursuit of maximum points

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Makhanya told the Sowetan newspaper that the experiment of using Namibia winger Deon Hotto as a central forward must end, and he wants Tshegofatso Mabasa and Malawian Frank Mhango chosen as a twin strike force.

“The way Pirates have been playing is like going to war and leaving your weapons at home,” said Makhanya of a team that has netted seven times in five CAF matches this season.