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A few days before the start of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, the Cedars are playing a crucial test match against East Timor tonight in Doha. 

It is the final trial run before the big leap. Tonight at 8:00 PM (Beirut time), on the pitch of Al-Khor Club in Doha, the Lebanese national team faces East Timor in a friendly. A full-scale dress rehearsal before starting the battle for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. A real test for Miodrag Radulović and his men, who must show they are ready to fight. 

A Full-Scale Tactical Laboratory 

While the match against the Timorese is far from a continental showdown, it is of utmost importance for the Montenegrin coach. Opposite them, a carefully chosen opponent to prepare for the March 25 clash against Brunei, the first hurdle for the Cedars in their Asian Cup campaign. The choice is no coincidence: East Timor’s playing style has similarities with that of Brunei, particularly in defensive organization and rapid transitions to attack. 

Since their arrival in Doha, Mohammad Haidar and his teammates have not been idle. Between gym sessions and on-field training, the squad has refined their automatisms, integrating newcomers like Pedro Budib, whose physical strength could prove valuable in defense. Radulović, true to his reputation as a meticulous tactician, has multiplied video analyses and tactical sessions to instill in his players every subtlety of the game plan. 

A Last Chance to Convince 

This match will also be a golden opportunity for some players to score points before the official start of the qualifiers. While key players like Hussein Zein and Kassem Zein firmly hold the reins in defense, the attacking line is still searching for certainty. Omar Chaaban and Malek Fakhro, two young rising talents, will try to showcase their explosiveness to shake up the hierarchy. 

But beyond individual performances, it is the entire Lebanese collective that must prove its cohesion. With a team now made up of a clever mix of experience and youth, Lebanon is looking to take a step forward. Tonight's final adjustments will be crucial to gauge the complementarity between veterans and new recruits. 

A Warning Without Consequence? 

Although the match is a friendly, taking it lightly is out of the question. Recent history has shown that any excess confidence can be fatal. East Timor, deprived of many of its naturalized players, will not be mere spectators and could offer more resistance than expected. With attackers like João Pedro and Muzinho, accustomed to competing in neighboring leagues, the Timorese have the potential to surprise with well-executed counterattacks. 

A few days before the qualifiers begin, there is no room for experimentation. Lebanon must send a strong message—to itself as much as to its future opponents. A convincing victory tonight would be the best way to launch the campaign under the best auspices. See you at 8:00 PM.