- 09:30
A first match that carries weight. In Doha, Lebanese players must bare their teeth and lay the foundations for a successful 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign. Against Brunei tonight, Lebanon aims to impose its game and secure an ideal start on the road to the continental tournament.
The Lebanese national football team begins its third round of 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers with a clear objective: to make a strong impact right from the start. Miodrag Radulović's men face Brunei tonight at 8:30 PM (Beirut time) on the pitch of Al-Wakrah Stadium, a venue considered the “home” ground for the Lebanese players in these qualifiers.
The equation is simple: only the top six group leaders will secure their ticket to the final stage, joining the 18 teams already qualified for the 19th edition of the continental tournament, set to take place in Saudi Arabia. An opening victory is therefore crucial for Lebanon, who hopes to secure a third consecutive qualification and a fourth in its history.
A Confident Lebanon
On paper, the Lebanese side enters as a favorite, bolstered by a convincing preparation period featuring four consecutive wins, 11 goals scored and a restored balance between defensive solidity and offensive efficiency. This positive momentum has been largely driven by the revelation of Sami Merhej (18 years old), a forward from Deportivo Pereira (Colombia), who has found the net five times in as many caps—a record for a Lebanese international since 1971.
Radulović, staying true to his philosophy, is expected to field a mix of local veterans and foreign reinforcements, the latter having already proven their decisive contributions. Among them, newcomers Hussein Chakroun (Hannover 96, Germany) and Malek Fakhro (Duisburg, Germany) have quickly established themselves, as has Pedro Budib (Pachuca, Mexico), who is expected to feature in defense despite the notable absence of Khalil Khamis, sidelined by a flu that has affected several squad members.
A Rebuilding Brunei
On the other side, Brunei is led by Brazilian coach Fabio Magrão, who has experience in Gulf and Iranian leagues following a playing career in the United Arab Emirates. While his team appears to be the group's underdog, they will be looking to cause an upset and shake up the established order.
Players Ready to Deliver
The atmosphere in the Lebanese camp is at its best. Between morning fitness sessions and evening tactical training, the coaching staff has thoroughly analyzed the opponent’s game to fine-tune the final adjustments. The players themselves are fully aware of the stakes.
Majed Osman, a dynamic winger, emphasizes the importance of offensive efficiency, “Against teams that defend in a low block, patience is key. We must capitalize on every chance to convert.”
Mostafa Matar, the Cedars’ last line of defense, remains cautious yet determined, “No match is easy, but with the preparation we’ve had and our analysis of Brunei’s play, we must turn this into a victory. I invite our supporters to show up in large numbers to cheer us on tomorrow night in Al-Wakrah.”
Finally, Pedro Budib, who impressed in his debut with a goal and an assist against Bhutan, expresses his ambition, “I am proud to represent my country of origin. The atmosphere is exceptional, everything is well-organized, and we are ready to secure this qualification for the Asian Cup. We’ve worked hard, the team is highly motivated, and we want to start strong to build confidence ahead of the upcoming challenges.”
A crucial match for the Lebanese, who must secure their first three points before facing a much tougher test against Yemen on match day 2.
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