Osama Hamad leads a tribute match in Benghazi, highlighting the connection between sports and cultural ties with Egypt.
Soldecanarias.net / Adeje
Football became a bridge between nations during an emotional tribute to Khaled Hussein, the iconic captain of Libya’s Al-Nasr Club in Benghazi. Libyan Prime Minister Osama Hamad presided over the opening ceremony of the retirement match for the legendary player, an event that intertwined sports, culture, and diplomacy, showcasing football’s role as a unifying force across borders.
The event featured a friendly match between Al-Nasr and the renowned Egyptian club Zamalek. Alongside prominent sports figures, key Libyan political and military leaders attended, including Khaled Haftar, Chief of Staff of the Security Units, and other high-ranking officials from the interior and security sectors. Representing Zamalek, a delegation led by its leadership joined the tribute, emphasizing the mutual interest in strengthening sports and cultural ties between the two nations.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister and other Libyan officials were honored for their dedication to the development of sports and their efforts to bolster bilateral relations. In his remarks, Hamad underscored the importance of supporting athletes who have left a lasting legacy through their careers, noting that their achievements represent not just their clubs but the entire nation on the international stage.
The tribute match not only celebrated Khaled Hussein’s remarkable career but also highlighted sports as a powerful tool to promote values of brotherhood, understanding, and national pride. The participation of an Egyptian delegation reinforced the message of cooperation between Libya and Egypt, demonstrating that football, beyond being a game, serves as a universal language of unity and friendship.