A league and cup double dream remains alive for South African contingency Rulani Mokwena and Thembinkosi Lorch at Al-Ittihad after booking their spot in the Libyan Cup semifinals on Thursday.
Having already bagged his first trophy outside Mzansi during his time at MC Alger, Mokwena is on the cusp of winning yet another title after their hard-fought win over Al Madina.
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Ittihad had taken the lead in the quarterfinal clash against Madina via an own goal by Farouq Al Fleit in the 13th minute, but the hosts found the equaliser in the 80th minute through Ibrahim Bourouis.
The tie then headed into penalties after the two sides could not be separated with Ittihad emerging 3-1 victors to seal their passage in the last four.
In the spot kicks, Lorch neatly tucked away his penalty before Ahmad Benali, and Adem Alilet also converted theirs. The opposition only scored one through Ousmane Diabaté while Rabii Hamri, Moataz Al Jurnazi and Ibrahim Bourouis all missed as Ittihad progressed.
Mouad Ellafi was the hero on the day by saving three penalties to see Mokwena’s charges through who will take on Al-Ahli Tripoli in the last four on Sunday, 31 May, for a spot in the final.
The other semifinal clash will be contested between Al-Ahly Bengazi, who beat Al Hilal 2-1, and Al Akhdar who thumped Al Nasr 4-2.
Mokwena’s charges also top the standings in the Libyan Premier League with 39 points after 15 matches, eight points clear of second-placed Olympic Azzawiya SC who have played one game more.
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