- 28
- May
- 2025
Lebanon takes on Oman on Wednesday at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in a high-level friendly behind closed doors. A weighty dress rehearsal ahead of the crucial Asian qualifier against Yemen.
While others are putting the finishing touches to their vacations, Lebanese players are sharpening their spikes. This Wednesday at 7 PM (Beirut time), the Lebanese national team takes on a strong sparring partner in Muscat, Oman, on the turf of the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex. There will be no spectators in the stands, as the Omani Federation has imposed a closed-door policy. However, the duel promises to be intense and revealing for Miodrag Radulović's men.
‘High-Temperature’
The Lebanese, who have been in training since Sunday in the Omani capital, are preparing in earnest for their clash with Yemen on June 10 in Kuwait, as part of the qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup. And what could be better than a clash against a team that also dreams of greatness? Third in Group D of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers (Asia zone), Oman is just three points off direct qualification for the global showpiece.
A Well-Oiled Opponent, but Some Notable Absentees
The challenge for the Lebanese team is therefore considerable. All the more so as the Omani team is firing on all cylinders: a clear-cut victory over Niger (4-1) in a friendly, a hard-fought draw with South Korea (1-1), then a precious victory over Kuwait (1-0) in the qualifiers. The backbone of the squad is made up of players from local champions Al-Seeb and runners-up Al-Nahda. In other words, the chemistry is there, and the collective well-honed.
On the Lebanese side, it's time for renewal and adaptation. Radulović has to cope without a number of key players: strikers Hussein Chakroun and Omar Chaaban are injured, defender Pedro Budib has been called up by Pachuca for the Club World Cup and Khalil Khamis and Karim Darwich will join the squad at a later date. A reduced squad, but not a deprived one, with the emergence of some promising young faces.
New Blood and Clear Ambitions
With this in mind, the Montenegrin coach has called up 25 players for the double-header. The return of Gabriel Bitar (York United, Canada), in fine form with 3 goals in 7 games, and that of Daniel Lahoud (Panetolikos, Greece), will provide some attacking impetus. Also worthy of note are the first call-ups for defender Hassan Farhat (Al-Ahed), a mainstay of the club this season, and left-back Karim Makawi, who is making a name for himself in the Cypriot top flight with Omonia Aradippou.
The momentum is positive: since the narrow defeat to Malaysia in the Merdeka Cup in September 2024, Lebanon is unbeaten in six matches, with five wins to its name. Better still, the players are on the back of two prestigious wins over Kuwait in December, even though they were deprived of many expatriates.
One Eye on Yemen, One Foot in Muscat
Behind this life-size test lies the decisive match against Yemen on June 10, in a group where Lebanon has gained an advantage thanks to its opening 5-0 victory over Brunei. To secure the first qualifying place, the team will have to beat Yemen on neutral ground (in Kuwait City), but in climatic conditions similar to those currently encountered in Oman. This friendly match therefore comes at the right time, both tactically and physically.
Faced with an Omani side that is well established on the Asian scene, the Lebanese are keen to make their mark, test out new schemes and gauge the depth of their bench. Although the opposition will not count in the FIFA rankings, the lessons learned will be worth their weight in gold. For behind this meeting behind closed doors lie the promises, and hopes, of a continental summer to prepare for.
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