- 09
- Apr.
- 2025
Under the Turkish sun, Lebanon’s U18 girls won against Jamaica (4-1). Talent, audacity, teamwork: a strong message sent to European women’s football.
They swallowed them whole. Like sweeping aside a sparring partner too soft. The young Lebanese players walked all over Jamaica (4-1), during the last day of the first round of the UEFA friendly tournament in Turkey. A show of strength that propels them towards an enticing classification match against the Turkish hosts, on Wednesday, for 5th place.
An Ambitious Eleven, a Disciplined Team Effort
Under the guidance of coach Charbel Fares, the Lebanese girls displayed a daring and well-organized team.
In goal, Nour Hammoudy kept watch. In front of her, a solid defensive curtain composed of Haya Najjad, Ayana Rezkallah and captain Cecile Iskandar, a real control tower. In midfield, the relentless activity of Celine Bitar, Lynn Moutran, Tatiana Kanaan and Elissa Hariri suffocated Jamaica. Up front, a rampant attacking trio: Maryam Ladkani, Luna Khazem and a certain Sherin Hasno…
On the bench: Marcelle Skaiki (goalkeeper), Shereen Karnib, Lea El Hage Ali, Paula Karam, Mariam Hamaoui, Caren Serhal, Chloe Maalouf, Remi Meli and Sara Fakih.
Sherin Hasno, the New Star
There are matches that can change a career. Sherin Hasno struck hard. Very hard. A resounding hat-trick (4’, 39’, 60’) and a fiery temperament. “A hat-trick in a UEFA tournament, wearing Lebanon’s colours, it’s huge,” said Charbel Fares after the match. “But above all, it was the strength of the team effort that made the difference.”
From the 4th minute, the tone was set: a penalty won by the lively Maryam Ladkani, coolly converted by Hasno. Eight minutes later, Celine Bitar, a true midfield metronome, unleashed a powerful strike from 25 meters under the bar (12’). Lebanon led 2-0, Jamaica was standing KO.
Hasno added a third goal before halftime (39’), before sealing the victory with a missile from 30 meters straight into the top corner (60’), just after Jamaica’s consolation goal scored by Elia Susan (59’). “It’s surely my most beautiful goal for the national team,” whispered Hasno, eyes sparkling. “But above all, it’s a team victory.”
Focus on Turkey
Thanks to this resounding success, Lebanon finishes the group stage in third place, behind Finland and Tanzania, but ahead of Jamaica who goes home empty-handed.
Next challenge: Turkey, in front of their home crowd. A tantalizing clash. “We know it will be a very intense match,” warned goalkeeper Nour Hammoudy. “But we have shown that we have character. We’re here to play our chances to the fullest.”
On Wednesday, at 11:00 AM, Lebanon will have the opportunity to write a new page in its young history.
Comments