Al Tersana (Tripoli)
Encyclopedia
Attersana Tripoli is a Libyan sports club based in Souq al Jum'aa
, Tripoli
, Libya
.
Attersana was founded in 1954, with efforts from the youth of Souq Aljum'aa, on the east side of Tripoli
, who decided they needed a club to combine their sporting talents, and also meet socially. The club was initially founded under the name Alhilal Tripoli, the first club in the area. They competed in many championships, most of which were Tripoli Championships.
In the 1970s, the two clubs (Alhilal Tripoli & Attersana) were prevented the permission to merge, so the club changed its name to Attersana Sporting, Social & Cultural Club
However, some of the club's most important achievements have not been in football. Volleyball is the club's most successful sport. They participated in the 1978 Arab Club Volleyball Championship. They were the best volleyball club in Libya in the 1970s, and represented the Jamahiriya in the Volleyball World Club Cup, the country's biggest achievement to date.
was in 2002-03, where the club finished in 10th place. They did not fare as well in their second season, finishing in bottom place, with just two wins all season.
The club's first season in the Libyan Second Division
was a disaster, as they finished bottom of the table, with just 12 points from 14 matches, and therefore, they were relegated to the Libyan Third Division
. They were, however, re-instated, and finished 4th in Group A, just three points off the Relegation/Promotion Play Off places.
In 2006-07, Tersana's third season at the second level, they were given a very favourable draw in Group A. Their only rivals for a promotion place were Wefaq
and Wahda
. They finished 2nd, qualifying for the Final Stage, where they were drawn with Al Najma and Urouba. They achieved 5 points from their four matches, a 1-0 win over Al Najma securing promotion to the top flight.
Their first season back in the top flight was a struggle, as Tersana fought it out all season with Al Wahda
and Tahaddi
to avoid the Promotion/Relegation Play Off
place. They were tied with the two clubs on 33 points at the end of the season, and their head-to-head record helped them avoid the drop. Players like Gozauber, Ouli Haujes, Ezeddin al Misraty and Samir Al Wahaj
undeniably helped the club avoid the drop. Gozauber, Hajues and Al Wahaj scored 14 goals between them, Haujes earning a move to Al Akhdar
.
Tunisian manager Lutfi Sellami guided the team to a respectable 7th place finish, thanks to the 19 goals of on-loan forward Samir al Wahaj
, as well as a place in the Libyan Cup final in 2008-09, where they were unfortunately defeated on penalties by Ittihad. However, after a poor start in the league the following season, he was sacked, and ex-midfielder Ali al Marjeani took over.
Tersanah gained qualification to the 2010 CAF Confederation Cup, where they were drawn with Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad
. After a dramatic late equaliser in the first leg, the Sky Blues took the lead in Mohamed Belouizdad
, before the Algerians roused themselves to a comeback, and a 3–2 victory on aggregate. After a poor showing in the first half of the season, where The Arsenal found themselves hovering dangerously close to the drop zone, Al Marjeani managed to steer the side clear, focusing on youth. Top flight status was secured with an impressive 5–1 win over champions Ittihad, braces from Anees Zaghab and Zachory Herman, as well as a goal from Anees al Idrissy securing a rare win over their cross-city neighbours.
The 2009–10 season was capped with the opening of the Tersanah Sporting Complex, which includes a new artificial-grass pitch stadium, opened on May 30, 2010. A full house was present in the Souq al Jum'aa
area of Tripoli
, as LFF
president Muhammad al Qaddafi commended the club on their achievements, and opened the complex. The heroes of the 1978 Volleyball team were also remembered and congratulated.
Souq al Jum'aa
Souq al Jum`aa is one of the oldest areas in Tripoli, it is located in the east of the capital. The Souq al Jum'aa residents are known to be the original inhabitants of Tripoli....
, Tripoli
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city in Libya. It is also known as Western Tripoli , to distinguish it from Tripoli, Lebanon. It is affectionately called The Mermaid of the Mediterranean , describing its turquoise waters and its whitewashed buildings. Tripoli is a Greek name that means "Three...
, Libya
Libya
Libya is an African country in the Maghreb region of North Africa bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west....
.
History
The inhabitants of Tripoli began sporting activities, with football at the top of their list of popular activities, which they played in their local arenas and stadia. The popularity of football among the public, among other sports, meant they founded a youth club to compete more seriously (on a national level) in sports like boxing, where they won many national championships.Attersana was founded in 1954, with efforts from the youth of Souq Aljum'aa, on the east side of Tripoli
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city in Libya. It is also known as Western Tripoli , to distinguish it from Tripoli, Lebanon. It is affectionately called The Mermaid of the Mediterranean , describing its turquoise waters and its whitewashed buildings. Tripoli is a Greek name that means "Three...
, who decided they needed a club to combine their sporting talents, and also meet socially. The club was initially founded under the name Alhilal Tripoli, the first club in the area. They competed in many championships, most of which were Tripoli Championships.
In the 1970s, the two clubs (Alhilal Tripoli & Attersana) were prevented the permission to merge, so the club changed its name to Attersana Sporting, Social & Cultural Club
However, some of the club's most important achievements have not been in football. Volleyball is the club's most successful sport. They participated in the 1978 Arab Club Volleyball Championship. They were the best volleyball club in Libya in the 1970s, and represented the Jamahiriya in the Volleyball World Club Cup, the country's biggest achievement to date.
Recent years
The club's first season in the Libyan Premier LeagueLibyan Premier League
The Libyan Premier League is the highest division of Libyan football championship, organised by Libyan Football Federation. The players that play in this league are mainly professional...
was in 2002-03, where the club finished in 10th place. They did not fare as well in their second season, finishing in bottom place, with just two wins all season.
The club's first season in the Libyan Second Division
Libyan Second Division
The Libyan Second Division is the second tier of Libyan football championship, organised by Libyan Football Federation.-Winners list:*2004-05 - Al Ahly *2005-06 - Al Nasr*2006-07 - Al Wahda*2007-08 - Al Hilal*2008-09 - Najma...
was a disaster, as they finished bottom of the table, with just 12 points from 14 matches, and therefore, they were relegated to the Libyan Third Division
Libyan Third Division
The Libyan Third Division is the third tier of Libyan football, organised by the Libyan Football Federation.-System:The clubs are sorted into regional groups. The top team in each region is promoted to the Libyan Second Division. Some of the bigger regions The Libyan Third Division is the third...
. They were, however, re-instated, and finished 4th in Group A, just three points off the Relegation/Promotion Play Off places.
In 2006-07, Tersana's third season at the second level, they were given a very favourable draw in Group A. Their only rivals for a promotion place were Wefaq
Al Wefaq Sabratah
Wefaq Sabratha is a Libyan football club based in Sabratha, Libya.During the 2006/07 season, Al Wefaq finished 3rd in Group A of the Libyan Second Division. The club had participated in the Libyan Premier League from the 2001/02 season until the 2005/06 season, at which point the club was relegated...
and Wahda
Al Wahda Tripoli
Al Wahda Tripoli is a Libyan football club based in Tripoli, Libya.-Current squad:As of December 10, 2008...
. They finished 2nd, qualifying for the Final Stage, where they were drawn with Al Najma and Urouba. They achieved 5 points from their four matches, a 1-0 win over Al Najma securing promotion to the top flight.
Their first season back in the top flight was a struggle, as Tersana fought it out all season with Al Wahda
Al Wahda Tripoli
Al Wahda Tripoli is a Libyan football club based in Tripoli, Libya.-Current squad:As of December 10, 2008...
and Tahaddi
Al Tahaddy Benghazi
Attahaddy Benghazi is an Libyan football club based in Benghazi. They were a member of the top division in Libyan football, but were relegated in season 2007/08...
to avoid the Promotion/Relegation Play Off
Relegation Play-Off 2007-08
The Libyan Relegation Play-off was contested between the three second-placed teams in the 3 groups in the Libyan Second Division: Wefaq Sabratah , Al Mustaqbal , and Al Sawa'ed and the 13th placed team in the Libyan Premier League, which was Al Tahaddy. The four sides played each other once at...
place. They were tied with the two clubs on 33 points at the end of the season, and their head-to-head record helped them avoid the drop. Players like Gozauber, Ouli Haujes, Ezeddin al Misraty and Samir Al Wahaj
Samir Al Wahaj
Samir Al Wahaj is a Libyan footballer, currently playing for Ahly Benghazi in the Libyan Premier League-Career:Samir is somewhat of a journeyman striker.He started his career at Ghawt Al Sha'al, before moving to Al Madina, where he won the Premier League in 2001.He then moved to Wefaq Sabratah,...
undeniably helped the club avoid the drop. Gozauber, Hajues and Al Wahaj scored 14 goals between them, Haujes earning a move to Al Akhdar
Al Akhdar
Al Akhdar is a village in Ad Dhahirah Region, in northeastern Oman. It lies just to the northwest of the regional capital of Ibri along Highway 21. The village contains a post office and has been assigned the postcode 516....
.
Tunisian manager Lutfi Sellami guided the team to a respectable 7th place finish, thanks to the 19 goals of on-loan forward Samir al Wahaj
Samir Al Wahaj
Samir Al Wahaj is a Libyan footballer, currently playing for Ahly Benghazi in the Libyan Premier League-Career:Samir is somewhat of a journeyman striker.He started his career at Ghawt Al Sha'al, before moving to Al Madina, where he won the Premier League in 2001.He then moved to Wefaq Sabratah,...
, as well as a place in the Libyan Cup final in 2008-09, where they were unfortunately defeated on penalties by Ittihad. However, after a poor start in the league the following season, he was sacked, and ex-midfielder Ali al Marjeani took over.
Tersanah gained qualification to the 2010 CAF Confederation Cup, where they were drawn with Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad
CR Belouizdad
Chabab Riadhi de Belouizdad is an Algerian football club based in Mohamed Belouizdad, a district of Algiers. It was founded in 1962...
. After a dramatic late equaliser in the first leg, the Sky Blues took the lead in Mohamed Belouizdad
Mohamed Belouizdad
Mohamed Belouizdad, formerly Hamma-Anassers is a quarter of Algiers, Algeria in Algiers Province.Important places in Mohamed Belouizdad are:*Hotel Sofitel*National Library*Jardin d'essai*Stade 20 Août 1955...
, before the Algerians roused themselves to a comeback, and a 3–2 victory on aggregate. After a poor showing in the first half of the season, where The Arsenal found themselves hovering dangerously close to the drop zone, Al Marjeani managed to steer the side clear, focusing on youth. Top flight status was secured with an impressive 5–1 win over champions Ittihad, braces from Anees Zaghab and Zachory Herman, as well as a goal from Anees al Idrissy securing a rare win over their cross-city neighbours.
The 2009–10 season was capped with the opening of the Tersanah Sporting Complex, which includes a new artificial-grass pitch stadium, opened on May 30, 2010. A full house was present in the Souq al Jum'aa
Souq al Jum'aa
Souq al Jum`aa is one of the oldest areas in Tripoli, it is located in the east of the capital. The Souq al Jum'aa residents are known to be the original inhabitants of Tripoli....
area of Tripoli
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city in Libya. It is also known as Western Tripoli , to distinguish it from Tripoli, Lebanon. It is affectionately called The Mermaid of the Mediterranean , describing its turquoise waters and its whitewashed buildings. Tripoli is a Greek name that means "Three...
, as LFF
Libyan Football Federation
The Libyan Football Federation is the governing body of football in Libya. It was founded in 1962, affiliated to FIFA in 1963 and to CAF in 1965...
president Muhammad al Qaddafi commended the club on their achievements, and opened the complex. The heroes of the 1978 Volleyball team were also remembered and congratulated.
Performance in CAF competitions
- CAF Confederation CupCAF Confederation CupThe CAF Confederation Cup is an international club association football competition run by the Confederation of African Football.-Qualification:...
: 1 appearance
-
- 2010: - Preliminary Round