2008–09 Libyan Premier League
The 2008–09 Libyan Premier League season was the 42nd edition of the competition since its establishment in 1963. Al Ittihad were the defending champions, having won their fourteenth Libyan Premier League title with just one round of matches to spare in the previous season. The campaign began on Friday October 17, 2008, delayed due to Libya's World Cup qualifiers, and, depending on the Libyan Cup, is scheduled to finish on June 26, 2009. A total of 16 teams contested the league, including 13 who competed in the previous season and three promoted from the Libyan Second Division. (see 2007–08 Libyan Second Division)
| Season | 2008–09 |
|---|---|
| Champions | Ittihad Tripoli |
| Relegated | Wahda Tripoli Jazeera Wefaq Sabratha Aman al Aam |
| Champions League | Ittihad Tripoli Ahly Benghazi |
| Confederation Cup | Ahly Tripoli Tersanah (via cup) |
| Goals scored | 572 |
| Average goals/game | 3.18 |
| Top goalscorer | Samir Al Wahaj (Tersanah) - 19 goals |
| Biggest home win | Ittihad 6–1 Wahda Tripoli (21 May 2009) |
| Biggest away win | Shat 1–9 Ahly Tripoli (5 June 2009) |
| Highest scoring | Shat 1–9 Ahly Tripoli (5 June 2009) (10 goals) |
| Longest unbeaten run | Ahly Benghazi - 16 matches (2009-02-08 to 2009-06-23) |
| Longest losing run | Wahda Tripoli - 8 matches (2008-12-27 to 2009-03-27) |
← 2007–08 2009–10 → | |
The first goal of the season was scored by newly promoted Wefaq Sabratha's Stefan de Paul against 2003-04 champions Al Olomby in the thirty-second minute of the game on the opening day of the season on October 17. Atef Hussein of Al Olomby scored the first hat-trick of the season against Al Sweahly on December 16, netting two in the final six minutes to help his side to a 3–3 draw.
The season paused for its usual mid-season break. However, this season's break was extended due to the national team's participation in the 2009 African Championship of Nations, and participation (at club level) in Africa's continental competitions. The season continued on March 13.
Wahda Tripoli were the first club to be relegated following a 4–1 defeat to Ahly Benghazi on May 28, 2009.Wefaq Sabratha's relegation was also confirmed on June 18, 2009 despite defeating Jazeera 4–1, as other results went against them. Jazeera's defeat also meant that they would not be remaining in the division for next season. Aman al Aam were relegated on the final day of the season. Although they defeated Khaleej Sirte 2–0, they needed Hilal Benghazi to lose to Sweahly to stay up on head-to-head record. Hilal secured a 0–0 draw, ensuring their survival by one point.
Ittihad Tripoli won the title on June 19, 2009 after defeating Sweahly 2–1 to gain an unassailable lead over second-placed Ahly Benghazi. This was Ittihad's 5th league title in succession, and their 15th overall.