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3. Futsal – 2026 Qualifiers: Lebanon Held by Hong Kong

Lebanon was held to a frustrating draw by Hong Kong on Monday in the 2026 Asian Cup qualifiers in Indonesia — a valuable point, but one that leaves a taste of unfinished business.

Solid from the start, Rabih Abou Chaaya’s men immediately took control of the game. The reward came in the 15th minute: Mustafa Rhyem leapt to open the scoring, finishing a well-worked sequence and sending the Lebanese bench into celebration. After the break, Hong Kong equalized during their best spell, taking advantage of a lapse from the Lebanese to level the score at 1-1. Despite dominating the closing stages—with high pressing, offensive rotations, and several decisive saves forced from the opposing goalkeeper—the scoreboard remained unchanged.

The Starting Five and Rotations
Lebanon began with Karim Jouaidi in goal, ahead of Majd Hamouch, Steve Koukezian, Hassan Alame, and Georgio El Khoury. The bench added energy and depth with, notably, Giorgio Makhoul, Ali Hamam, Mario Abou Jaoude, Ali Al Hadi Jammoul, Mohamad Kobeissi, Hassan Maatouk, Mohamad Ossman, and the scorer Mustafa Rhyem.

On the first day, Lebanon had perfectly launched their campaign by defeating China 2-1 in Hangzhou, thanks to goals from Mustafa Rhyem (8th) and Mohamad Ossman (36th), against a late goal from Yakub Jiang Maimaiti (38th) on the Chinese side.

The Point on the Qualifiers

The AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers will be decided group by group: the winner of each group qualifies, along with the seven best runners-up, to join host nation Indonesia. In this endurance race, every point can prove decisive. With their victory over China and this draw against Hong Kong, Lebanon remain on the right track, with the clear objective of securing their place on the continental stage in the upcoming matches (Vietnam).

As they head to Vietnam for a crucial six-point match, Lebanon will need a compact block, disciplined foul management, clean transitions, and a sharper power-play. The goal is simple: turn control into victory and keep qualification within reach.