- 14
- Nov.
- 2024
The Lebanese national football team displayed remarkable determination by securing a 0-0 draw against Thailand in a friendly match in Bangkok. In the difficult context marked by war, this encouraging result offers hope for Lebanon's prospects in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
In a match played on the Thammasat Stadium pitch, Lebanon held Thailand to a goalless draw (0-0). This friendly, part of both teams' preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, served as a real rehearsal ahead of the official qualifiers next March. For Lebanon, despite the goalless outcome, the result offers promising signs for the upcoming confrontations.
Crucial Test
From the early minutes, both teams, each seeded in the first pot for the Asian qualifiers (set for December 9 in Kuala Lumpur), tried to impose their rhythm. Aware of the importance of this test, the Cedars, coached by Montenegrin Miodrag Radulovic, opted for an attacking strategy right from the kick-off. With six local players and five expatriates in the starting eleven, Radulovic trusted a balanced group, including two new faces from Germany: Hannover winger Hussein Chakroun and Duisburg striker Malik Fakhro.
The best chances of the match were actually created by Lebanon. In the 17th minute, Bassel Jradi, in great form, unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, forcing the Thai goalkeeper into a reflex save, deflecting the ball with his fingertips. A few minutes later, a quick run down the right wing by Hussein Zein allowed Karim Darwish to create a clear opportunity, but his crossed shot narrowly missed the target.
On the other side of the field, the Lebanese defense was solid, particularly thanks to the impenetrable Khalil Khmeis and Kassem Zein, who formed a wall in front of goalkeeper Mustafa Matar. Several times, the Thai forwards attempted to break through the Lebanese defense but were thwarted by an organized and disciplined backline.
In the final quarter of the match, young striker Sami Merhej from Deportivo Pereira in Colombia entered the game. At just 17 years and 11 months old, Merhej became the youngest player to start for Lebanon since Philippe Paoli in 2012. With his energy and relentless pressing, Merhej brought an added dynamic in the final minutes, even creating a half-chance from a through ball, before being caught by the opposing defense at the last moment.
Although AFC Wimbledon forward Omar Chaaban "Bugiel" was unable to play due to fatigue from a long journey from London to Bangkok, the Lebanese team showed a real depth of squad. Midfielder Jihad Ayoub, who had to be stretchered off, and Mohammad Hayek, who was substituted at halftime, also caused some concern for the staff. However, their presence seems assured for the next friendly against Myanmar.
Lebanese Merit
Thailand has never been regarded as a major footballing nation, of course. However, it is essential to acknowledge Lebanon’s merit in securing this draw against the Thai team, especially in the current context, where Thailand is experiencing a rise on the international stage. Meanwhile, Lebanon is enduring a devastating period of war that has severely impacted its social and sporting development. Therefore, achieving a positive result under such circumstances against a team on the rise is an accomplishment that deserves to be praised.
On Friday, the Cedars will fly to Myanmar for their second match of this international break, a crucial encounter to refine their preparation and perhaps offer a more fruitful attacking display. On the sidelines of this tour, the Kuwaiti Football Federation has also proposed another friendly against Lebanon, scheduled in Doha next month.
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