![Football – Friendly: Lebanon Stumbles Against Myanmar](/images/bibli/1920/1280/2/1makram-website.jpg)
The Lebanese team’s journey in Nepalese territory began with disappointment. In the opening match of the friendly tournament organized by the Nepalese Football Federation, the Lebanese women were defeated 1-3 by a more efficient Myanmar team on the pitch of Dasarath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu.
A Promising Start, but a Lack of Finishing
The Lebanese players started the match at full throttle, quickly pushing forward and putting pressure on the opposing defense. Unfortunately, a lack of efficiency in front of the goal penalized their efforts, and the chances created were not efficient. On the other side, Myanmar managed to absorb the impact before gradually imposing its rhythm.
Fortunately for Lebanon, goalkeeper Marcelle Skaiki was in top form as she made several decisive saves and saw her post come to her aid on an opposing attempt. Just before halftime, Layla Iskandar nearly turned the tide by outplaying the defense and Myanmar’s goalkeeper, but her shot was denied by the woodwork.
A Cruel Second Half
The match resumed at a slow pace, with each team trying to gauge the other. However, in the 55th minute, Myanmar found the breakthrough with a long-range strike from Win Theingi Tun that caught the Lebanese defense off guard.
The Lebanese team responded quickly: six minutes later, Layla Iskandar showed great composure to equalize, dribbling past the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the net (1-1, 61'). Unfortunately, this moment of brilliance was not enough to change the course of the game.
From a well-executed set piece, Shwe Yee Tun restored her team's lead with an unstoppable header in the 72nd minute. Three minutes later, Swan Htet Thaw sealed the match by capitalizing on a ball fumbled by Skaiki (1-3, 75').
International Debuts for Several Players
Despite the defeat, this match will remain special for several players who made their first appearance in the national jersey. Marcelle Skaiki, Mya Callil Mehanna, Anabelle Ghabach, Sherin Hasno and Tatiana Kanaan all experienced their first minutes on the international stage, a valuable learning experience for the future.
Lebanon must quickly move on and refocus, as a new challenge awaits. Next fixture: a clash against the host team, Nepal, scheduled for Thursday, February 20, at 2:15 PM (Beirut time), before concluding the group stage against Kyrgyzstan on Sunday at 10:15 AM.
Lebanese Squad
Marcelle Skaiki, Waad Raad, Farah Tayar, Dima El-Kasti, Julie Atallah (Iyana Rizkallah 62'), Nathalie Matar (Paula Karam 83'), Mya Callil Mehanna, Zahwa Arabi (Cynthia Saleh 66'), Anabelle Ghabach (Sherin Hasno 66'), Lea Hajj Ali (Tatiana Kanaan 83'), Layla Iskandar.
International Appearances
This match marks the 60th international appearance of the Lebanese women's national team, a symbolic milestone for women's football in the country.
It remains to be seen if the Lebanese team can bounce back to secure a victory and continue their learning experience on the international stage.
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