Rulani Mokwena & Thembinkosi Lorch closer to domestic double after vital win

Rulani Mokwena-led Al-Ittihad booked their place in the last four of the Libyan Cup semi-final thanks to their hard-fought victory against Al Madina on Thursday night.

The game was expected to be a tough outing as both teams continued to work on meeting their objectives of the 2026/27 campaign.

It was Al-Ittihad who took the lead inside the first 13 minutes when Farouq Al Fleit scored an own goal. It happened to be the only difference in the first half despite the chances created.

Mokwena’s men punished

Failure to double their advantage came with a price in the 80th minute as the hosts equalised courtesy of Ibrahim Bourouis. The strike created a tense finale as both teams employed a cautious approach, but at the same time, attacking when necessary.

Nevertheless, no team managed to find the second goal to kill the match and head into the semi-final.

The shootout story

In the penalty shootout, Al-Ittihad managed to emerge victorious after converting three of their spot-kicks while their opponent managed just one.

Thembinkosi Lorch Converts As Ittihad Progress In The Libyan Cup

Result: Al-Madina 1-1 Al-Ittihad [ 1-3 Pens]

Nyoso converted Ittihad's first spot-kick and Rhulani Mokwena's side went on to win 3-1 on penalties in a quarter-final clash.

Ittihad's League & Cup double dream is… pic.twitter.com/5phnUAGGig

— Austin Ditlhobolo (@A_B_Ditlhobolo) April 30, 2026

Thembinkosi Lorch, Ahmad Benali and Adem Alilet beat the custodian in favour of their team, while Ousmane Diabate was the only successful player for Al Madina. Rabii Hamri, Moataz Al Jurnazi and Ibrahim Bourouis failed to score their penalties.

Al Ittihad keeper Mouad Ellafi managed to save three to ensure his team set a date with Al-Ahli in the semi-final.

Mokwena and Lorch can now fancy their chances of winning both the Cup and Libyan top-tier crown.