- 12
- Dec.
- 2024
Lebanon is preparing to face Kuwait in a friendly match in Doha, an important test before major Asian challenges.
Lebanon is preparing to face Kuwait this Thursday at 5:00 PM (Beirut time) at the Al-Ahli Club stadium in Doha, Qatar. This friendly match, followed by a second game scheduled for Sunday, allows both teams to prepare for crucial challenges. While Kuwait is focusing on organizing the Gulf Cup starting December 21, Lebanon is training for the resumption of the qualifiers for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, scheduled for next March.
A local squad and new faces
The Lebanese team features a predominantly local lineup, as many professional players based abroad are unavailable due to being retained by their clubs during this non-FIFA international window. In total, nine professional players will be missing, including Bassel Jradi, Walid Chour, Daniel Lahoud, Hussein Chakroun, and Omar Bugiel.
However, four expatriates are joining the squad: striker Sami Merhej and Malek Fakhro, benefiting from the winter break of their German club Duisburg, Leonard Shahine from Falkenberg (Sweden), and Jad Smayra, a defender from AEK Athens (21 years old), who is making his debut in the national team. Young striker Ali Kassas from Safa is also called up to reinforce the attack.
Radulović: Preparation and youth as the goal
During his first training session at Qatar University, Montenegrin coach Miodrag Radulović emphasized the importance of these friendly matches:
"With the halt of official competitions in Lebanon, every match is crucial to keep the local players in physical and technical shape. These matches are also an opportunity to integrate young players into the team." Radulović particularly highlighted the transition phase the team is going through: "We know that Kuwait is well-prepared for the Gulf Cup, but our priority is to build for the future, by giving playing time to new talents like Samira and Kassas, whom I’ve been following for some time."
Kuwait, a formidable opponent under Pizzi’s leadership
On the other hand, Kuwait, the record holder of the Gulf Cup with ten titles, arrives with confidence after a 1-1 draw against Yemen in a friendly last Monday. Led by former Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi, the Kuwaiti team mixes youth and experience, while adopting an offensive philosophy, even against strong teams like South Korea.
Pizzi has built a competitive team, with local stars like Ahmed Al-Dhafiri, Suleiman Abdel Ghafoor, and Sami Al-Sanea, while integrating promising young talents.
A first test
These friendly matches represent a key step for Lebanon before the important challenges of next March. While the local players will have the chance to shine, the integration of young talents could lay the foundations for a competitive team in the long term. Facing a well-prepared Kuwait will give the Cedars a chance to measure themselves against a solid opponent while testing new strategies.
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