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Destination: the Gulf, for a double mission — to close the Asian qualifying window at the top of Group B against Brunei, and then earn a ticket to the “FIFA Arab Cup” play-off versus Sudan. Lebanon is heading to Kuwait for training camp with a tight-knit squad, key returns… and one notable absence.
The stage is set
Group B leaders with 10 points, Lebanon approaches the 5th matchday of the third round of 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers with a two-point lead over Yemen. Brunei (3 points) and Bhutan (1 point) trail behind. The Cedars face Brunei Darussalam on November 18, then Sudan on November 26 in Doha’s Al-Gharafa Stadium for the Arab Cup qualifying play-off (tournament runs December 1–18 in Qatar).
Fine-tuning and clear hierarchy
Coach Miodrag Radulović has framed this camp around intensity and precision—focused video analysis, ball-progression drills, fast transitions, and finishing. The stated goal: to strike early against Brunei and lock in the game plan before the knockout clash with Sudan. The locker-room message is clear — maintain control in Asia, then strike decisively in the Arab Cup.
Returns, a setback, and fresh wings
Radulović has called up 23 players, with three major returns: Qassem Zein in central defense, Gabriel Bitaar in attacking midfield (York United), and striker Omar Bugiel (AFC Wimbledon), recently voted Player of the Month with his club. Another awaited addition is winger Hussein Azzedine (Ahed), impressive since the start of the season. However, there’s bad news for Hussein Chakroun (Hannover 96), sidelined after an injury against Darmstadt; he had previously scored against both Brunei (5–0) and Bhutan (4–0).
On the field, the setup remains familiar: goalkeepers Mostafa Matar, Mahdi Khalil, and Ali Sabeh; a defensive core of Hussein Zein, Khalil Khamis, Qassem Zein, and Mohamad Safwan, with options such as Nassar Nassar, Mohammad El Hayek, Hussein Sharafeddine, and Hassan Farhat. In midfield: captain Mohamad Haidar, Ahmad Kheireddine, Jihad Ayoub, and Walid Shour, joined by Khoder Kaddour and Gabriel Bitaar. Up front: Ali Kassas, Zein Farran, Hussein Azzedine, Malek Fakhro, Samy Merhej, and Omar Bugiel offer attacking depth.
Qualification math and Arab Cup horizon
The equation in Asia is straightforward: a win over Brunei would put Lebanon within touching distance of qualification. If Yemen beats Bhutan in the same round, a draw against Yemen in the final match (“home” fixture on March 31, 2026) would secure Lebanon’s spot as group winners. In parallel, defeating Sudan in the play-off would send Lebanon into a challenging Arab Cup group alongside Algeria, Iraq, and the Bahrain–Djibouti winner.
Steady course — two targets, one momentum.
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