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The play-offs have kicked off at full speed. In the race for the title as well as in the battle to avoid relegation, the first clashes of the second phase of the championship have already reshuffled a few cards.

The second phase of the Lebanese championship was underway this weekend, with the famous “sodassiyat”—the play-offs—split into two groups: the “sodassiyat al-awā’il” (Top 6) to determine the future champion, and the “sodassiyat al-awākhir” (Bottom 6) to decide the two teams to be relegated. Between tense duels, decisive goals and first takeaways, the final sprint is well and truly on.

Top 6: Al-Ahed Strikes Hard

The clash of this first matchday lived up to expectations: Al-Ahed defeated Al-Ansar (1-0) after a tightly fought tactical duel. A goal from the inevitable Yan Mokombo (49’) was enough for the team to take sole lead of the table with 17 points. The Greens, dominant in the first half, paid the price for their lack of offensive efficiency.

Sagesse, for its part, perfectly launched its campaign by winning against Tadamon Tyr (2-0). Teammates Babacar Diagne (scorer in the 46’) and Mohamed Khalifeh (55’) confirmed their rise in form by climbing to 4^th place with 11 points.

Finally, the derby between Nejmeh and Safa ended in a spectacular draw (1-1). Boban Djordjevic opened the scoring for Safa (30’), before Rabih Ataya equalized for Nejmeh (42’). Reduced to 10 men in the second half after the expulsion of Ali Ridha Ismaïl, they held firm but remained stuck in 5^th place.

Standings After Matchday 1 of the Play-Offs – Top 6:

1. Al-Ahed – 17 pts
2. Al-Ansar – 16 pts
3. Safa – 16 pts
4. La Sagesse – 11 pts
5. Nejmeh – 10 pts
6. Tadamon Tyr – 7 pts

Bottom 6: Al-Bourj and Racing Deliver, Suspense Builds

In the battle for survival, Al-Bourj pulled off a great result by beating Shabab al-Sahel (2-0) in Bhamdoun. Hassan Mehna (18’) and Ali Mnaâ (25’) sealed the match within the first half hour. With this win, the team can breathe easier.

Racing Beirut also impressed by overcoming Shabab Ghazieh (2-1). Rafael (17’) and Eze Akueni (68’) gave them a comfortable lead before Youssef Abindi narrowed the gap (82’). The team takes the lead in this mini-relegation championship.

Finally, Riyadi Abbassiyé and Shabab Baalbeck cancelled each other out (0-0) in a match short on chances. This result helps neither team, both still threatened by relegation.

Standings After Matchday 1 of the Play-Offs – Bottom 6:

1. Racing Beirut – 8 pts
2. Al-Bourj – 7 pts
3. Shabab al-Sahel – 6 pts
4. Riyadi Abbassiyé – 5 pts
5. Shabab Baalbeck – 5 pts
6. Shabab Ghazieh – 3 pts

Next Matchday

Nejmeh – Al-Ahed, Al-Ansar – La Sagesse, Safa – Tadamon Tyr.

At the bottom of the table, Al-Bourj will look to continue its momentum against Riyadi Abbassiyé, while Shabab Ghazieh will try to bounce back against Shabab al-Sahel.

The sprint is on, and soon, every point will be worth gold.