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The Lebanese national football team, which was set to participate in a friendly tournament in Vietnam, is forced to forgo this opportunity due to ongoing violence in the country. This situation jeopardizes the sporting ambitions of the Cedars and their preparations for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
The Lebanese football team will not be able to participate in the upcoming international window scheduled from October 10 to 16 due to the tragic circumstances facing the country. This climate of insecurity has halted all sports activities, prompting the Lebanese Football Federation to cancel its participation in the friendly tournament in Vietnam, where it was to face the host nation and India.
Despite having finalized logistical arrangements for the trip to Hanoi, the Federation had to apologize to its Vietnamese counterparts. The war ravaging Lebanon has not only led to the cancellation of official competitions but has also kept players away from training and matches. "We had hoped to go until the end, praying for the security situation to improve," explains Faten Abi Faraj, the media and communications director of the Lebanese Federation, to This is Beirut. "But the miracle did not happen, and the decision to cancel everything was made unanimously. It is indeed unimaginable to leave the country under these circumstances, especially since several players come from regions heavily affected by the war. Consequently, our hearts are not in it," concludes Faten Abi Faraj.
Disastrous Consequences for the Team
This absence from the international scene will have significant repercussions for the Lebanese team. Under the guidance of Montenegrin coach Miodrag Radulović, the Lebanese team hoped to continue its preparation for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for next March. The team aimed to achieve positive results in these friendly matches to improve its FIFA ranking, which would have favorably impacted its draw in the upcoming Asian competition.
The next international window in November was also supposed to provide Lebanon with the opportunity to play two friendly matches against Thailand and Myanmar. However, these fixtures are now compromised, leaving players uncertain about their sporting future.
An Uncertain Future for Lebanese Football
The current situation in Lebanon highlights the challenges faced by its national football team. As the country endures a tumultuous period, the sporting ambitions of Lebanon are under severe strain. The war not only robs Lebanon of its presence on the international stage, it also threatens the future of football in a country that aspires to progress despite adversities. Hopes for qualification for the Asian Cup now rest on fragile grounds. For the team to regain its rhythm and competitiveness, it is imperative that security conditions improve rapidly to allow players to return to the field and prepare effectively for upcoming challenges.
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