Libya Find an Empty Goal and Still Manage to Be Offside

Libya Under-20s produced a major protest after an offside decision denied them the opportunity to attack Tunisia’s completely unguarded goal.

The incident occurred during stoppage time of their Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations qualifier, with the score level at 1-1.

Tunisia goalkeeper Salim Bouaskar had gone forward for a corner when Libya cleared the ball and launched a four-man counterattack into an almost empty half.

However, the receiving attacker had already crossed the halfway line before the pass was played. With Bouaskar stranded at the opposite end and only one Tunisian opponent between the attacker and the goal, the assistant referee raised his flag.

Libya’s players and coaching staff surrounded the officials in protest, with several bookings reportedly shown during the resulting confrontation.

The decision prevented what appeared to be an almost certain winning goal, although the unusual position of Tunisia’s goalkeeper meant the normal offside calculation still applied.

Libya had four attackers, an empty goal and almost an entire half of the pitch available.

The only remaining requirement was to stay onside.