Football – Lebanon: Al-Ansar Stumbles, Nejmeh and Al-Ahed Take Advantage
Al-Ansar held by Safa (1-1), title race reignited. ©© Lebanese Football Federation

A slowed leader, pursuers lurking and an increasingly intense battle for survival: the 10th matchday of the Lebanese football championship lived up to expectations.

Al-Ansar, halted in its stride, drops its first points of the season against a resilient Safa. Behind them, Nejmeh and al-Ahed seize the opportunity to close the gap, while Tadamon Tyr delivers an attacking spectacle. A look back at a thrilling 10th matchday.

Al-Ansar Slowed Down, Title Race Reignited

Everything had started well for the leader. Against Safa, al-Ansar thought it was heading for a tenth consecutive victory thanks to a goal from Nader Matar (31’). But the Yellow and Blue found the resources to come back and snatch an equalizer through an own goal by Rafic Madini (64’). With this 1-1 draw, al-Ansar remains at the top with 28 points but sees Safa (26 pts) and al-Ahed (25 pts) dangerously closing in.

Nejmeh Finally Breathes

Struggling in recent weeks, Nejmeh regains momentum with a solid victory over Shabab al-Sahel (2-0). Defender Maher Sabra opened the scoring with a powerful header (55’), before Mohammed Safwan sealed the match in stoppage time (90+2’). With this win, Nejmeh climbs to 4th place (17 pts) and gets its season back on track.

Al-Ahed Lurking

The nine-time champion has no intention of falling behind. Facing Riyadi Abbasiya, al-Ahed relied on its experience to claim a 3-1 victory. Despite conceding early in the 19th minute to a goal from Ezra, the Yellow and Black responded through Mahmoud Zbib (45+5’), Zein Frangieh (56’) and Noor Mansour (90+8’). This win brings al-Ahed to 25 points, keeping it in the hunt for the top spot.

Tadamon Tyr on Fire

The biggest win of the matchday came from Tadamon Tyr, who crushed Shabab Baalbeck (4-0). A brace from Hassan Bazzi (53’, 78’), along with goals from Mahmoud Kaakour (83’) and Abbas Sharqawi (87’), propelled Tadamon to 6th place (13 pts). Meanwhile, Shabab Baalbeck continues to struggle, remaining in 11th place (5 pts).

Racing Stops La Sagesse, Bottom of the Table Heats Up

In a tight duel, Racing Beirut held La Sagesse to a draw (1-1). Dany Abou Fakhr thought he had secured the win for the Greens (15’), but Edmond Chahata quickly equalized (31’). The shared points leave La Sagesse in 5th place (15 pts), while Racing picks up a valuable point (8 pts, 8th).

In the relegation battle, Shabab Ghazieh and al-Bourj canceled each other out (1-1), a result that helps neither side. Adam Siraj rescued Ghazieh in the 89th minute, responding to a penalty converted by Hassan Mehanna (35’). Al-Bourj remains bottom with 4 points, while Ghazieh climbs to 10th place (6 pts).

Standings After Matchday 10

  1. Al-Ansar – 28 pts
  2. Safa – 26 pts
  3. Al-Ahed – 25 pts
  4. Nejmeh – 17 pts
  5. La Sagesse – 15 pts
  6. Tadamon Tyr – 13 pts
  7. Shabab al-Sahel – 13 pts
  8. Racing Beirut – 8 pts
  9. Riyadi Abbasiya – 7 pts
  10. Shabab Ghazieh – 6 pts
  11. Shabab Baalbeck – 5 pts
  12. Al-Bourj – 4 pts

The Championship Is More Competitive Than Ever!

Al-Ansar sees its rivals closing in, while the battle for survival intensifies. The next matchday promises to be a heated one!

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