Football stars turn out for Libya

A host of football greats, including 2003 Ballon d’Or winner Pavel Nedved, put on a show in a charity exhibition match for Libya in Dubai.

Playing in a fundraiser for the Friends of Libya’s Children, a team led by organiser Jihad Mountessir, named Coca-Cola, ran out 8-5 winners over Abu Dhabi Investment Bank (ADIB) at Al-Rashid Stadium on Tuesday.

Former Libya international Mountessir was the organiser, while Marcello Lippi coached ADIB in a clash Nedved starred in, providing several assists.

ADIB went ahead thanks to Chilean attacker Luis Jimenez, before Coca-Cola hit back through Rabah Madjer and former Czech star Jan Koller.

Nedved set up Libyan forward Zuwei and former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires also netted as nine goals were scored in the first half.

ADIB’s Hernan Crespo scored after the interval, while Zuwei completed his hat-trick in his team’s win.

Libya is recovering from an eight-month civil war, which culminated in the death of leader Muammar Gaddafi.

Players met Libyan Transitional National Council chairman Mustafa Abdul Jalil after the match, while fans took photos with several of the stars.