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3. Football: The Cedars Ready for Battle, Heading to Doha for the Final Sprint

With just days to go before the kickoff of the third round of qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup, the Lebanese national team is heading to Doha. This crucial training camp will set the stage for their opening match against Brunei, where Miodrag Radulović and his men are determined to lay the foundation for a successful campaign.

The Lebanese delegation left Beirut with a squad that is still incomplete. Only players from the local league, along with expatriates Majd Osman (Persik Kediri, Indonesia) and Hassan Srour (Hudood, Iraq), boarded the flight to the Qatari capital. The rest of the squad, including other foreign-based professionals and the coaching staff, will join the group in the evening.

Radulović, nicknamed “Rado” by his players, has designed a meticulously planned training program. Balancing tactical drills with collective preparations, the Cedars will have one final full-scale rehearsal on March 20 against Timor-Leste — a carefully selected opponent whose playing style resembles that of Brunei, Lebanon’s first rival in this qualification phase.

A Squad Balancing Experience and Renewal

The squad list blends seasoned veterans with fresh talent. While the defensive core remains anchored by key players like Kassem Zein (Nejmeh) and Hussein Zein (Safa), attention is drawn to the arrival of Pedro Budib. The 1.93m giant, trained in Mexico and recently naturalized, represents a major reinforcement for Lebanon’s backline. At just 20 years old, he brings a physical presence that the Cedars’ defense had been lacking.

In midfield, playmaker Mohammad Haidar (Ahed) will once again dictate the tempo, supported by Walid Chour (Brisbane Roar, Australia) and Majd Osman — two players whose international experience could prove decisive. Up front, young talents like Omar Chaaban (AFC Wimbledon, England) and Malek Fakhro (Duisburg, Germany) are eager to shake up the established hierarchy.

A Crucial First Test

While the squad on paper looks promising, the real test will be on the pitch. Against Brunei, Lebanon must assert its status and avoid the trap of a tricky away fixture in Southeast Asia. A strong start is crucial in Group B, where every misstep could be costly.

The Cedars are ready for battle — talk is over. Now, it’s time to play and fight for a place in the Asian Cup.