THE final of this season’s Al-Fateh Cup in Libya will be between newly crowned champions Al-Ittihad, Winners of the competition five times, and Al-Tirsana after both managed to qualify to the crunch match at the end of penalty-taking contests in their semi-final ties.

Al-Ittihad registered their third victory in domestic competitions over their neighbours from Tripoli this season thanks to a 5-4 victory after a penalty shoot-out following a scoreless draw

Of the two semi-finals the match between Al-Ittihad and cross-city rivals Al-Ahli was the more anticipated, but it was a disappointment with play mostly confined to midfield and with scoring opportunities down to the barest minimum.

Belayed missed a good chance for Al-Ahli when he came face to face with substitute goalkeeper Gazala and with defender Alsheby blocking to corner. On their part, Ittihad had a goal by Alzowie disallowed for offside by the Tunisian referee.

In their final obstacle to the final Al-Tirsana defeated Al-Hilal 3-1 after penalties after a 2-2 result at the end of normal time.

The match was very well balanced with Al-Tirsana forging ahead after only five minutes through Samir Al-Wahaj, but Al-Hilal first levelled through Alakerbi on 27 minutes and then went ahead with a goal by Hamed Altaib on 44 minutes to take a 2-1 interval lead.

Al-Tirsana made a reaction in the second half and levelled on the hour, once again through Al-Wahaj from a penalty to throw both sides into the penalty-taking contest and with the hosts winning through with a 3-1 score for their first-ever final of the competition.