2008–09 Libyan Premier League


The 2008–09 Libyan Premier League season was the forty-first edition of the competition since its establishment in 1963. Al Ittihad were the defending champions, having won their fourteenth Libyan Premier League title with just one round of matches to spare in the previous season. The campaign began on Friday October 17, 2008, delayed due to Libya's World Cup qualifiers, and, depending on the Libyan Cup, is scheduled to finish on June 26, 2009. A total of 16 teams contested the league, including 13 who competed in the previous season and three promoted from the Libyan Second Division.
The first goal of the season was scored by newly promoted Wefaq Sabratha's Stefan de Paul against 2003-04 champions Al Olomby in the thirty-second minute of the game on the opening day of the season on October 17. Atef Hussein of Al Olomby scored the first hat-trick of the season against Al Sweahly on December 16, netting two in the final six minutes to help his side to a 3–3 draw.
The season paused for its usual mid-season break. However, this season's break was extended due to the national team's participation in the 2009 African Championship of Nations, and participation in Africa's continental competitions. The season continued on March 13.
Wahda Tripoli were the first club to be relegated following a 4–1 defeat to Ahly Benghazi on May 28, 2009.Wefaq Sabratha's relegation was also confirmed on June 18, 2009 despite defeating Jazeera 4–1, as other results went against them. Jazeera's defeat also meant that they would not be remaining in the division for next season. Aman al Aam were relegated on the final day of the season. Although they defeated Khaleej Sirte 2–0, they needed Hilal Benghazi to lose to Sweahly to stay up on head-to-head record. Hilal secured a 0–0 draw, ensuring their survival by one point.
Ittihad Tripoli won the title on June 19, 2009 after defeating Sweahly 2–1 to gain an unassailable lead over second-placed Ahly Benghazi. This was Ittihad's 5th league title in succession, and their 15th overall.

Promotion and relegation

Teams promoted from 2007–08 Libyan Second Division
Teams relegated to Libyan Second Division 2008–09

Results

Team summary

1 As the 28 March Stadium was not re-opened until October 22, 2008, Benghazi clubs played at stadia selected by the Libyan Football Federation. Some fixtures were also re-arranged so that these clubs played away from home for rounds 1 & 2.

2 Due to Al Jazeera's ban from their Zuwara Stadium, the club will play their remaining home games at 9 July Stadium for the remainder of the season.

3 Wefaq Sabratha's used the Ajaylat Stadium from rounds 1-8 as their own Sabratha Stadium was undergoing maintenance.
NB: The newly constructed Benina Stadium will be used to host matches held in Benghazi, as the 28 March Stadium is undergoing maintenance. The 28 March Stadium will not be in use for the rest of this season.

Awards

Goals

As of June 26, 2009
RankScorerClubGoals
1 Samir al WahajTersanah19
2 Ahmed AbdelkafiShat17
3 Nader KaraAhly Tripoli14
4 Sarra CamaraNasr12
4 Ibrahim al KhalilAhly Benghazi12
6 Atef Hussain1Ittihad11
6 Ahmed ZuwayIttihad11
8 Abdelhameed ZidaneAkhdar10
9 Ahmed SaadAhly Tripoli9
9 Moataz Ben AmerAhly Benghazi9
9 Younes BaltahaamAhly Benghazi9
12 Wisaam BoukteafAkhdar8
12 Abdelmajid EddineNasr8

1 7 goals for Al Olomby

Stadia

TeamStadiumCapacity
Ittihad
Ahly Tripoli
Madina		11 June Stadium60,000
Ahly Benghazi
Nasr
Hilal		28 March Stadium
Martyrs of February Stadium		50,000
10,550
OlombyZaawia Stadium14,000
AkhdarAl Bayda Stadium9,000
Sweahly9 July Stadium8,000
Aman al Aam
Wahda
Shat		GMR Stadium6,000
TersanaAli Alsgozy Stadium4,000
Khaleej Sirte2 March Stadium3,000
JazeeraZuwara Stadium2,000
Wefaq SabrathaSabratha Stadium2,000