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3. Football: Al-Ansar Stumbles, Nejmeh Climbs, Safa Holds the Lead

The fourth matchday of the Lebanese league play-offs has blurred the picture both at the top and bottom of the table. With leaders stalling and challengers hanging on, the suspense remains intact just two rounds from the end.

 

Title Play-offs: Status Quo at the Top, Nejmeh Bounces Back

 

Setback for Al-Ansar. The Greens dropped two precious points in the title race after a goalless draw (0-0) against Tadamon Tyr at Abbas Nasser Stadium. An unexpected slip that could prove costly in the final sprint.

 

Safa experienced the same fate, held to a 0-0 draw by Al-Ahed in a tense clash at Fouad Chehab Stadium. Islam al-Batran missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring, with his penalty saved by goalkeeper Ali Sabeh. One point each – a result that helps no one in this three-horse race.

 

The big winner of the day was Nejmeh. With a 1-0 win over La Sagesse thanks to an early goal by Mohammad Safwan (10’), the Manara club moves closer to the podium and overtakes their opponent in the standings.

 

Standings (after 4 rounds – Title Play-offs):

1. Safa – 23 pts

2. Al-Ansar – 23 pts

3. Al-Ahed – 21 pts

4. Nejmeh – 13 pts

5. La Sagesse – 11 pts

6. Tadamon Tyr – 11 pts

 

Relegation Play-offs: Racing Takes the Lead, Baalbeck Surprises

 

In the bottom group, Racing Beirut continues its perfect run. Focused and efficient, it defeated Riyadi Abbassiyeh (2-0) away from home, with goals from Hadi Abou Al-Enein (58’) and an unfortunate own goal by Ezra (66’). With 14 points, the Beirut club now stands alone at the top.

 

There was joy for Shabab Baalbeck, who stunned Al-Bourj (2-0) in Bhamdoun. Mohamed Kawaya (37’) and Hussein Al-Aouta from the penalty spot (73’) lifted the newly promoted side up the rankings.

 

Finally, Shabab al-Sahel delivered a thrashing (4-0) against Shabab Ghazieh, with a quickfire brace from Samad Qadri in first-half stoppage time, followed by goals from Hussein Jaafar (61’) and Saïd Saad (88’). The Blues are back in the race for survival.

 

Standings (after 4 rounds – Relegation Play-offs):

1. Racing Beirut – 14 pts

2. Al-Bourj – 13 pts

3. Shabab al-Sahel – 13 pts

4. Riyadi Abbassiyeh – 8 pts

5. Shabab Baalbeck – 8 pts

6. Shabab Ghazieh – 4 pts

 

The End Is Near…

 

With two rounds left, everything can still change. At the top, Safa and Al-Ansar are taking small steps, leaving room for Nejmeh to dream of a miracle. At the bottom, Racing is on course – but for the others, nothing is settled. The Lebanese championship is entering its final stretch… where every point will be worth gold.