Lebanon’s U23 men’s football team lost (1-0) to their Omani counterparts on Monday, June 12, as part of the 2023 Under-23 Championship organized by the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) in Iraq, in the cities of Baghdad and Kerbala.
The Omani goal was scored in the 42nd minute by Salem al-Abdulsalam. The scoreline could have been even worse at the end of added time (90th+4) in the second half, had it not been for the impressive reflexes of the Lebanese goalkeeper, who also saved a second ball just before the final whistle (90th+5). The Omanis had numerous chances to score, but often missed their shot, with the ball flying well over the crossbar. As for the Lebanese players, they completely missed their chances and committed numerous fouls, often violent, one of which resulted in a yellow card at the end of the match.
In the 1st round (group phase), the competition is organized in three groups, each group includes three countries. Lebanon was placed in Group C where, in addition to Oman, they will face Yemen on Friday, June 16. The three groups are as follows:
Group A
1. Iraq (host country)
2. Jordan
3. United Arab Emirates
Group B
1. Iran
2. Palestine
3. Syria
Group C
1. Lebanon
2. Oman
3. Yemen