BENGHAZI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS) – The city of Benghazi, capital of eastern Libya, is set to host the “Reconstruction Cup” this evening at 6 p.m. local time at the brand-new Benghazi International Stadium. Competing for the trophy — a symbol of Libya’s ongoing rebuilding efforts under Prime Minister Osama Hammad — will be Italian giants Inter Milan and Spain’s Atlético Madrid.
A packed crowd is expected, with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Prime Minister Hammad, and Parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh all scheduled to attend. Speaking to Italpress in Benghazi, Ali Aftita, the Minister of Sports for the eastern Libyan government, highlighted the significance of the event:
“Benghazi will host a match between two European giants, Atlético Madrid and Inter. We welcome them to our new facility, the Benghazi International Stadium. Many other events will follow here, thanks to the security and reconstruction that Benghazi is experiencing, driven by sincere people who have brought great progress to the city. God willing, we’ll enjoy a beautiful evening and a big crowd. The Libyan public loves football, especially major teams like Inter and Atlético, so it will be a real celebration.”
It marks the first time in over a decade that two clubs of this caliber have faced each other in Libya — a clear sign of openness and normalization in the country’s sporting landscape. The friendly has been organised through cooperation between the Libyan Football Federation, local authorities, and European embassies, with the goal of restoring Libya’s international image and promoting sports as a tool for dialogue and collaboration.
The choice of Benghazi — the historical and cultural heart of Cyrenaica — is symbolic. The city aims to showcase its readiness to host major events, offering modern facilities and security. The recently renovated stadium can accommodate more than 30,000 spectators, supported by extensive security and logistical measures. Local authorities have also put in place a special traffic and crowd management plan, with fans expected from Benghazi, Tripoli, Misurata, and Tobruk.
The friendly will be broadcast live on Libya’s leading sports channels, serving as a landmark occasion to highlight the country’s passion for football and Benghazi’s growing ability to organize international events.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the Inter–Atlético Madrid match carries diplomatic and cultural significance as well. Delegations from both clubs will take part in an official ceremony with local authorities, promoting youth programmes and initiatives to develop sports in Libyan schools.
For Libya — and Benghazi in particular — this encounter is a global showcase and a symbolic step toward a return to normalcy. Under the lights of the eastern Mediterranean, football will once again become an ambassador of peace and renewal.
PHOTOGALLERY
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(ITALPRESS).
