The Lebanese men's basketball team achieved a well-deserved victory against their Iranian counterpart with a score of 73-66 in a friendly match held on Wednesday evening at the Nihad Nohfal Sports Complex in Zouk Mikaël. This match was part of the preparations for both teams ahead of the World Cup, which will take place from August 25 to September 10.
The match was attended by nearly 4,000 spectators, including the President of the Olympic Committee, Dr. Pier Jalakh, several committee members, the First Vice President of the Asian Basketball Federation, and President of the Lebanese Basketball Federation Akram Halabi, alongside members of the federation, the Iranian embassy, the Mayor of Zouk Mikael, Eli Baaino, several club presidents and members, numerous coaches and players, as well as press and media representatives.
The Lebanese team set the pace from the start of the match, with both coaches giving most of their players playtime. Lebanon finished the first quarter leading 22-17, the second quarter 40-28, the third 61-42, and the fourth 73-66. The match was officiated by international referees Paul Saqeem, Ziad Tannous, and Sergio Kassab. The top scorer for the Lebanese team was Ali Haider with 15 points.
It is noteworthy that Lebanon was drawn into Group H along with Canada, France, and Latvia, while Iran was placed in Group G alongside Spain, Ivory Coast, and Brazil.
