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The Lebanese football team is preparing to defend its title at the West Asian Women’s U-18 Championship in Jordan. After winning the last two editions, Lebanon now aims for a historic three-peat, a feat that would mark a turning point in the history of women's football in the region.

From November 27 to December 6, 2024, the fourth edition of the Women’s U-18 Championship will take place in Aqaba, Jordan. Organized by the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF), this competition brings together the best national women’s teams from the region. Lebanon, the two-time defending champion, enters this tournament with the ambition to defend its title and extend its reign over women’s football in West Asia.

Lebanon, a Team Seeking a Third Consecutive Victory

Winner of the last two editions of the Championship in 2019 in Bahrain and 2022 at home, Lebanon has made history in women's football in West Asia. After finishing as vice-champion in the first edition in 2015, the Lebanese team then took control of the competition by winning the next two editions. Their dominance has been built around a solid defense, a creative midfield and an effective attack. This year, the Lebanese women are determined to extend their reign and become the first team to secure three consecutive titles.

An Impressive Journey for the Lebanese in This Edition

In this fourth edition, Lebanon, as the defending champion, begins its journey with a series of decisive matches. The Lebanese women will kick off on Thursday, November 28, against the host team, Jordan, in a highly anticipated match that could set the tone for their campaign in the competition. Afterward, they will face Syria on November 30, a strong team determined to compete with the best.

Coach Wael Gharzeddine’s team will continue its path with a historic match against Saudi Arabia on December 2, as the latter makes its debut in the competition. Finally, Lebanon will close the group stage on December 4 against Palestine, an ambitious team that will have to face the collective power of the Lebanese women.

At every stage, the Lebanese women hope not only to defend their title but also to continue to shine on the international stage, proving that their success is not a fluke, but the result of hard work.

The Opponents and the Format of the Competition

Five teams will participate in this competition: Lebanon, Jordan (host country), Saudi Arabia, Palestine and Syria. The Lebanese team, led by head coach Joanna Hamzeh and her technical staff, will emphasize its collective play and tactical discipline to win crucial matches from the start of the tournament.
All the matches will take place at Aqaba Stadium, and Lebanon’s first match is scheduled for Thursday, November 28, against Jordan at 18:00 (Beirut time). After that, they will play against Syria on November 30 at 15:00, then Saudi Arabia on December 2 at 18:00, before closing the group stage against Palestine on December 4 at 15:00 (Beirut time).

Lebanon knows that every match will be a tough test, but the players are ready to face the challenge and prove that they are still at the top of the regional hierarchy.

Meticulous Preparation and a Motivated Team

Despite the internal challenges Lebanon has faced, such as the temporary suspension of local competitions due to economic and political circumstances, the team has managed to prepare intensively. Two preparation camps have been organized to refine physical and tactical training and evaluate the form of the players. The technical staff, composed of experienced professionals, has worked tirelessly to put in place a strategy that will allow Lebanon to shine on the international stage.

A Talented and Determined Team

The group selected for this competition consists of 21 talented players, ready to defend Lebanon’s colors with pride. Lebanon will rely on a solid defensive line with players like Asia Zreika and Iyana Rizkallah, a dynamic midfield composed of Elissa Hariri and Yara Geitani, and a promising attack with players like Angelina Saadeh and Shirine Karnib. The combination of talent, teamwork and meticulous preparation makes Lebanon a serious contender for victory. Fingers crossed.

Every member of the team is driven by the ambition to continue the history of success started in previous editions and add a new line to an already impressive track record.