The Lebanese national team exited the Asian Cup competition after losing to Tajikistan with a score of 2-1 in the match held this evening during the third round of the group stage. Lebanon ended at the bottom of the group with one point, while Tajikistan secured qualification to the Round of 16 after finishing as the runner-up in the group with four points.
### First Half
The first half was exciting and intense, with the Lebanese team starting well and controlling the midfield, though they posed no real threat to Tajikistan's goal. Over time, the Tajikistani team began to completely dominate the midfield, while Lebanon retreated to its half, relying on counterattacks. Tajikistan threatened Lebanon's goal with a dangerous chance in the 22nd minute when striker Rustam broke through, but Qassem Zain intervened and cleared the ball at the right moment. In the 32nd minute, Hassan Maatouq, Lebanon’s captain, responded with a powerful shot that narrowly missed the left post. The crossbar denied Tajikistan an assured goal during the last 10 minutes, as they relied on shots from outside the penalty area. In the final minute, Shafouri scored for Tajikistan, but it was disallowed after a review with VAR, ending the first half in a goalless draw.
### Second Half
Lebanon started the second half with a surprise attack in search of a goal that would unsettle their opponent. In the 48th minute, Basil Jaradi succeeded in scoring the opening goal for Lebanon with a superb shot that found the net. After the goal, Tajikistan intensified their pressure in search of equalization against Lebanon's compact defense. The game took a turn in the 54th minute when Qassem Zain received a red card, forcing Lebanon to continue the match with ten players. Defender Khalil Khamees almost added a second goal for Lebanon in the 67th minute from a corner, but his shot went over the bar. The excitement peaked in the 69th minute when Jalilov scored for Tajikistan, only for it to be disallowed after VAR intervention. Tajikistan maintained strong offensive pressure, leading to the equalizing goal in the 80th minute from a free kick brilliantly executed by midfielder Umar Bayev. In the 92nd minute, Hamzakulov succeeded in adding the second goal for Tajikistan. The Lebanese team tried to come back and equalize in the remaining time but to no avail, resulting in a 2-1 final score.
