The Lebanon national football team drew 0-0 with its "guest" Palestine in their first match of the group stage of the Asian double qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asia Cup. The match, held at Khalid bin Mohammed Stadium in Sharjah, UAE, was of significant importance for both teams, especially after Australia's large 7-0 victory over Bangladesh in another match in the same group.
Prior to the kick-off, there was a minute of silence to honor the victims of Gaza. Although both teams shared the field, the Lebanese side had a slight advantage, initiating more attacking plays and attempting two shots from outside the penalty area through captain Hassan Maatouk and Majed Othman.
However, the dynamics shifted in the second half, beginning with a chance for Karim Darwish. The Palestinian team improved its performance, threatening goalkeeper Mustafa Matar's net multiple times, but the latter's excellence prevented any goals, particularly with a critical save in the 90th minute from a close-range shot, earning him the Man of the Match award.
Despite Palestine's superiority in this half, the "Cedars" nearly secured full points, first through a solo effort by substitute Ali Al-Haj, whose shot hit the outer net, and secondly when Hala Al-Halawa had a valuable opportunity inside the box during injury time.
Lebanese head coach Nikola Yurievich deemed the draw fair in the post-match press conference, stating, "Let's be realistic; we knew we were facing a tough opponent with physical strength and endurance, which they displayed in the second half. However, I am satisfied with my team's performance as we created chances too, so I consider the result fair and one we can build upon for the future."
Regarding the upcoming match against Bangladesh, which Lebanon will depart for early Friday morning, Yurievich said, "We will reflect on what we delivered against Palestine and the physical condition of some players before making our decisions, but we will undoubtedly aim for the win we need. To achieve that, we must continue working seriously and with focus. I trust the players and this team."
Mustafa Matar praised his teammates, stating, "Everyone deserves credit for me receiving the Man of the Match award. We faced a tough and dangerous opponent, and everyone fulfilled their role. I am happy to leave with a clean sheet and look forward to the next match, where our goal will be the three points."
Lebanon's lineup included goalkeeper Mustafa Matar, and players Nassar Nassar, Qassem Al-Zein, Walid Shour, Mohamed Hayek, Ali Tanish, Jihad Ayyoub, Hassan Maatouk (Mohamed Haidar 63), Majed Othman (Ali Al-Haj 63), Hassan "Soni" Saad (Mohamed Qaddouh 92), and Karim Darwish (Hala Al-Halawa 75).
