Cameroon striker Patrick Mboma has joined the Libyan club Al Ittihad in what has been decribed as a surprise move.

No fee has been disclosed for the transfer from Parma.

Mboma last played for Sunderland in England on loan from the Italian club.

Mboma has signed a two-year contract with the Libyan side headed by the famous son of the country�s head of state, Saadi Kadhafi.

Mboma is reportedly delighted about the move and has said he wants to help Al Ittihad win the African Champions League in 2003.

After playing in France and Japan, the 2000 African footballer of the year said he is happy coming back to play in Africa.

He will make his debut this weekend in the second week of the Libyan championship.