Libya World Cup hopes suffer setback

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Libya suffered a setback to hopes of playing at the World Cup for the first time when they were held 0-0 by the Democratic Republic of Congo Friday.

Playing their first competitive home match since 2010, the Mediterranean Knights wasted a great early chance when captain Ahmed Osman failed to convert a penalty.

A drive from substitute Mohamed El Gadi with 10 minutes left finished just off target in a Group I qualifier that produced few scoring chances at the national stadium.

Libya had been unable to stage home games in the country because of a tense security situation following the overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

The result was the same as the first match between the countries in Kinshasa three months ago, and a massive disappointment to Libyan supporters.

They remain second in the table, level on six points and plus-one goal difference with Cameroon, but behind the Indomitable Lions because they have scored fewer goals.

Cameroon, whose six World Cup appearances is a record for an African country, are away to Togo Sunday and a win would move them three points clear.

But they will be without four-time African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto’o, who was injured playing for Anzhi Makhachkala last weekend in the Russian Cup final.