On CAF World Cup Qualification Group D 11 June Stadium in Tripoli, Libya, the Libyan Football Federation will face the Federação Caboverdiana de Futebol in what could be the final swing for a World Cup qualification spot. The match kicks off at 13:00 UTC on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, and the stakes are as high as they get in Group D.
Head‑to‑Head History Since 2015
Libya and Cape Verde have crossed swords three times in official competition since the 2015 qualifiers. Cape Verde edged out two victories – a 1‑0 win on June 11, 2024 in Tripoli and a 1‑0 triumph on neutral ground in 2015 – while Libya managed a solitary 2‑0 home win back in 2017. No draws have ever been recorded, meaning every encounter has delivered a winner.
Recent Form of the Libyan Squad
Libya’s last five fixtures show a modest bounce back. After a 0‑1 loss to Cape Verde in June 2024, the Nadi Al‑Sahra Lions rattled off a 2‑0 home win over Swaziland (September 8, 2025) and a 1‑0 away victory against Angola (September 4, 2025). Their March 2025 stretch was mixed – a 1‑3 defeat in Cameroon followed by a 1‑1 draw with Angola – leaving them with two wins, two draws and one loss across the most recent five matches.
Recent Form of the Cape Verdean Eagles
Cape Verde, meanwhile, has been humming along an unbeaten run that Sky Sports notes as six matches without a loss. A 1‑0 home win over Cameroon (September 9, 2025), a 2‑0 away triumph against Mauritius (September 4, 2025) and a 2‑1 victory over Angola (March 25, 2025) illustrate a side that scores and concedes at roughly the same rate – 0.8 goals for and against per game.
Key Players to Watch
Both coaches will likely lean on their most reliable marks. For Libya, forward Mahmoud Al Shalui has already found the net against Cape Verde this season, slotting a goal in the 58th minute of the most recent fixture. Mid‑fielder Ezzeddine Al Mariami contributed a 42nd‑minute strike in that same game, showing a knack for breaking down the Cape Verde defence.
On the opposite wing, Cape Verde’s veteran striker Willy Semedo (82') and the industrious forward Sidny Lopes Cabral (76') have been delivering late‑game punches throughout the campaign. Their set‑piece specialist, Telmo Arcanjo, also remains a threat, having netted the 29th‑minute goal in a prior meeting.
What’s at Stake in Tripoli?
The Group D table is still in flux. With only one round left, a win for Libya could catapult them into second place, edging them closer to the coveted direct‑qualification slot. Cape Verde, perched just a point behind, will be looking to preserve their unbeaten run and keep the pressure on the group leaders.
Even more, the match carries psychological weight. The last encounter in June 2024 saw the Cape Verdeans shut out Libya on home soil – a rare home defeat for the Nadi Al‑Sahra Lions. Revenge, therefore, is on the menu as much as points.
Statistical Outlook
- Libya averages 0.6 goals per game and concedes 1.0.
- Cape Verde averages 0.8 goals per game and concedes 0.8.
- Both sides have a 20% chance of matches exceeding 2.5 goals in the past five games.
- When the two teams meet, the total‑goals‑over percentage sits at 33.3%.
- Historically, the Asian Handicap Win percentage for both sides in this fixture is 0% – meaning no clear favourite.
Betting markets are split, with many pundits pointing to a tight 1‑1 draw as the most plausible outcome, yet the recent form suggests Cape Verde may have the edge in finishing the group strongly.
Looking Ahead: The Final Group D Fixture
Whatever the result, the winner will head into the final matchday with a clear psychological advantage. If Libya can secure three points, they’ll be forced to hope for a slip‑up from the current leaders. Cape Verde, on the other hand, could clinch the decisive boost they need to stay within striking distance of the top spot.
Fans worldwide will be glued to the live streams on platforms like Sofascore, Flashscore and Livescores, hoping to see who ultimately grabs the elusive ticket to the FIFA World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this match affect Libya's chances of qualifying?
A victory would lift Libya into second place, putting them within a point of the group leader and keeping the direct‑qualification route alive. A draw or loss would likely relegate them to a playoff‑only scenario.
What are Cape Verde's prospects after this game?
Cape Verde enters as the unbeaten side. Winning keeps them on an unbeaten streak and could see them leapfrog Libya, while a draw still leaves them in contention for a top‑two finish.
When and where is the match being played?
The fixture takes place on Wednesday, 8 October 2025, at 13:00 UTC, at the 11 June Stadium in Tripoli, Libya.
Who are the key players to watch?
For Libya, forward Mahmoud Al Shalui and midfielder Ezzeddine Al Mariami have already scored against Cape Verde. Cape Verde’s attacking trio – Willy Semedo, Sidny Lopes Cabral and Telmo Arcanjo – will be vital for breaking down the Libyan defence.
What does the head‑to‑head record suggest?
With Cape Verde holding two wins to Libya’s one, the historical edge leans toward the island nation. However, no draws mean each encounter has been decisive, hinting that this match could again be decided by a single moment.
Sarah Graham
October 9, 2025 AT 00:39Honestly, it’s great to see both teams fighting for that last spot. The matches have been tight and the players are giving their all. Libya could use the home advantage while Cape Verde rides their unbeaten streak. Whatever the outcome, fans will love an exciting game.
Jauregui Genoveva
October 17, 2025 AT 17:27Wow, another “must‑win” drama? 🙄 Let’s be real, football is just a game and we’re all getting played by the odds makers. If anyone thinks this will magically solve a nation’s problems, they need to open a reality check. 🌍💥
Quinten Squires
October 26, 2025 AT 10:15The statistics show Libya scores less than one goal per game on average. Cape Verde scores a bit more but also concedes similarly. Both teams have defensive issues that could be exploited. The home crowd in Tripoli will add pressure on the Libyan back line. The Eagles have confidence after six games unbeaten. Confidence can sometimes mask underlying weaknesses. On the other hand the Lions have been improving recently with a couple of wins. Momentum is a key factor in knockout style qualifiers. Weather conditions in October might affect the pace of the match. The pitch quality at 11 June Stadium has been a topic of debate among insiders. Some pundits argue that a slower surface favors defensive play. Others believe it will help quick transitions for the attackers. The referee’s style could also influence the flow of the game. Past encounters between these sides have never ended in a draw. That trend suggests a decisive result is likely.
sheri macbeth
November 4, 2025 AT 03:03Oh great, another “decisive” match that will totally change the power balance. As if the referees aren’t already in on the whole thing. Maybe the stadium lights are secretly transmitting signals to the players. Anyway, enjoy the drama.
Lane Herron
November 12, 2025 AT 19:51Indeed, the covert illumination hypothesis aligns with the emergent discourse on psychographic interference in high‑stakes fixtures. The meta‑analysis of officiating bias suggests a 73 % correlation with ambient photon flux variations. Therefore, one could argue the outcome is pre‑determined by a complex algorithmic lattice.