A New Chapter for Libyan Basketball
Ahmed Marei, an Egyptian former Olympic player who competed at the 1984 Games, has been appointed head coach of the Libyan national team, taking over from American Sam Vincent. Vincent’s short tenure ended without a win, leaving the federation eager for a fresh direction.
Marei’s coaching résumé includes a stint that led Egypt to a fifth‑place finish at the 2015 FIBA AfroBasket in Tunisia. His experience spans multiple club and national assignments, and he is also the father of Egyptian international forward Assem Marei, who may soon follow his father’s footsteps on the court.
A Turbulent Recent Past
Under Vincent, Libya lost all three matches at the 2025 AfroBasket and were swept in the first round of Group C of the World Cup African Qualifiers, falling to Cameroon, South Sudan and Cape Verde by an average margin of ten points. Prior to Vincent’s arrival, Fouad Abou Chacra had guided the squad to a historic 4–2 record in the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers, marking the nation’s return to the continental championship for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2009.
Looking Ahead to Douala
The next phase of the 2027 World Cup African Qualifiers will be staged in Douala, Cameroon, from 2 to 5 July. Marei will oversee a team eager to translate past lessons into competitive performances on home soil, with the ultimate goal of securing a berth in the global tournament.