- 09
- Feb.
- 2025
The Lebanese U17s hit the ground running in their opening match. Facing defending champions Syria, they won with authority (2-0) to top their group. Now it's off to Palestine to confirm their progress and set their sights on the semi-finals!
The Lebanese women got off to the best possible start at the West Asian U17 Women's Cup 2025. Up against defending champions Syria, they played with authority to claim a convincing 2-0 victory at Dammam's Prince Saud bin Jalawi stadium. A resounding first step towards the semi-finals!
Locked First Half, Fiery Second Half
From the outset, proceedings were evenly balanced. The two teams neutralized each other in midfield, exchanging possession without really worrying the goalkeepers. With their defenses firmly in place and intense pressing, chances were few and far between in the first half. At the break, everything was still to play for: 0-0.
But after the break, the Lebanese stepped up their game. More aggressive in recovery and cutting edge in transition, they quickly took the ascendancy. In the 51st minute, Rama Moghrabi found the back of the net when she collected a loose ball before firing a clinical shot into the back of the net.
The Syrians tried to react, but the Lebanese hinge remained solid. And to add salt to the wounds, Sarah Issa doubled the lead in the 62nd minute with a superb header from Gaëlle Abou Malhab's chiseled cross.
In goal, Marie-Joe Chebly put on a show of her own, repelling any last-ditch attacks with authority. The end of the match was controlled and the victory deserved: 2-0, Lebanon in the lead!
A Tight format, Qualification Within Reach
With this success, Lebanon takes the lead of its group and looks forward to its next challenge: a confrontation with Palestine, on Monday, February 10 at 6:15 PM (Beirut time). A win and the semi-finals are almost in the bag!
The format of the competition leaves no room for error: the top two from each group will see the semi-finals, with a final between the winners and a small final for third place. Every match is a decisive battle!
Heroines of the Day
Lebanon's line-up against Syria:
- Goalkeeper: Marie-Joe Chebly
- Defenders: Gianna Frangieh, Yasmina Nassar, Joya Bou Assaf, Chistina Chebly (90+2 Yara Abi Fadel)
- Midfielders: Rama Moghrabi, Layane Kalkas (73 Zahraa Moslemani), Gaëlle Abou Malhab, Yasmin Habbal (84 Kalina Osman)
- Forwards: Yara Geatani (90+2 Marita Chebly), Sara Issa
Objective: How Far Will They Go?
The young Cedars team is sending out a strong signal with this grand entrance. Against Palestine (Monday, 6:15 PM), it will have the opportunity to confirm its ambitions and secure its place in the semi-finals.
Can Lebanon dream of a continental crown? If the efficiency and solidity displayed against Syria is confirmed, anything is possible!
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