DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — For the first time in decades, football in Libya is just about, well, football.
Gone in the uprising that ousted Moammar Gadhafi is Al-Saadi Gadhafi, who dominated the game and intimidated players during the last years of his father's 42-year rule.
Ali al-Aswad, the coach of the national team and a former player for Tripoli club Al Ahli, the late dictator's favorite team, says "it's about the ball and kicking the ball without fear and pressure so we can win for our country, for free Libya."
Football had been in the shadows in Libya since February, when the revolt against Gadhafi's regime erupted in the North African country. Players either left the country to play for clubs in neighboring countries or joined the rebels.