- 20:25
Lebanon secured a historic victory against Kuwait (2-1) in their friendly match this Thursday in Qatar. This marks their first win against the Kuwaiti team since 2011, an achievement all the more symbolic after a series of disappointing results against this team, and in a context where Lebanon is still struggling to recover from the devastating effects of the war.
Lebanon achieved a significant victory (2-1) against Kuwait during the match played Thursday on the pitch of the Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha, Qatar. However, the victory came late for the Cedars, who scored the decisive goal in the final seconds of the match. This triumph takes on even greater importance as it ends a series of four losses and four draws against Kuwait since their last win in November 2011. It embodies the resilience of Lebanon and its national team, which, despite years of suffering and reconstruction, managed to turn the tide, as evidenced by their response after being 1-0 down for most of the match.
A hard-fought match and a spectacular turnaround
From the beginning of the match, Miodrag Radulović’s men were caught off guard by a dynamic Kuwaiti team. Kuwait opened the scoring early through Bandar Borsali in the 11th minute, with a swift and well-executed attack, punishing the Lebanese defense's indiscipline. This early goal put pressure on the Lebanese, but they managed to respond.
In the 75th minute, Lebanon equalized with a superb header from Kassem Zein, who outfoxed the Kuwaiti goalkeeper after a perfectly placed cross. This goal completely revived the match, offering a welcome hope for the Cedars, who had been struggling to take control of the game.
The outcome of the match was decided in stoppage time. In the 90th minute, a well-orchestrated quick counterattack allowed Lebanese striker Sami Merhej to slot the ball into the net, securing a last-gasp victory for his team. This achievement rewarded the persistence and commitment of the players, who never stopped believing in their chances despite Kuwait’s dominance in the first half. This turnaround is even more remarkable as it occurred in a key preparatory match for both teams.
Kuwait’s situation
Kuwait, which is actively preparing for the 2026 Gulf Cup with its Argentine coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, was unable to capitalize on its advantage. This defeat will extend an alarming streak for the Kuwaitis, who have not won a match in seven consecutive games, including during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The match against Lebanon is part of their preparations for the regional tournament, and Kuwait fielded a team including players such as Khaled al-Rashidi, Fawaz Ayed and Ahmed al-Dhafiri. Despite the quality of its squad, Kuwait is struggling to find victory.
A meaningful victory
This victory over Kuwait is of immense importance for Lebanon, not only on a sporting level but also symbolically, proving that the team, despite adversities, is capable of facing challenges. After a difficult period, this win against a team well-prepared for the Gulf Cup is a strong sign of the Lebanese national team's revival, now able to approach future challenges with more confidence.
A nation reborn
By securing this historic victory against Kuwait, Lebanon demonstrated its readiness to face the upcoming major international competitions. This victory, both moral and sporting, reflects the strength of a team, which, despite internal difficulties, remains determined to carve out a place for itself on the Asian and international stage. A nation reborn, in search of future glory.
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