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3. Football: The Lebanese Championship Kicks Off Its 66th Edition at Full Speed

The opening day of the Lebanese Championship lived up to expectations: lively derbies, ambitious newcomers, title contenders on point, and surprises on the menu. From Joya, victorious on its big debut, to Nejmeh, who tamed eternal rival Ansar, the tone is set for a season full of twists and turns.

The highly anticipated clash delivered on its promise. In front of a strong crowd at Tripoli’s Rachid Karamé Stadium, Nejmeh came out on top against their eternal rivals, titleholders Ansar, winning 2-1. Ali Fadl quickly opened the scoring for the Manara side (12’), but Hicham Khalafallah equalized for the Greens just before halftime (39’) after a VAR review. In the second half, Ali Kassas delivered a precise strike (77’) to secure Nejmeh’s victory in this 81st Beirut derby, bringing their record to 25 wins against 28 for Ansar (28 draws).

Ahed and Sagesse Shine, Racing Stumbles

In the South, Ahed kicked off their season perfectly with a dominant 3-0 win at Riyadi Abbassiyé. Goals from Mohammed Haidar (23’), Jerouma on a penalty (33’), and Bilal Sabbagh (63’) confirmed the supremacy of the nine-time Lebanese champions.
In Jounieh, the Achrafieh derby ended in favor of La Sagesse, who defeated Racing 2-0. Sékou Traoré (39’) and Hussein Dour (62’) sealed a logical victory over a weakened Racing side, which fielded a mostly young squad and suffered a red card in the first half.

Joya Shines on Debut

Making their first appearance in the top flight, Joya Sporting Club made a sensational start. In Bhamdoun, the promoted side swept aside Bourj 3-0 in front of nearly 1,000 enthusiastic fans. Star captain Hassan Maatouk scored twice (60’ penalty, 74’) before Zein Abidine Farran completed the display (83’). This historic win already etches Joya into Lebanese football history.

Draws for Safa, Tadamon, Sahel, and Mabarra

Safa seemed set to claim victory at Abbassiyé against Tadamon Sour thanks to Kassem Hayek’s goal (82’), but Senegalese Ishaka Diarra equalized two minutes later (1-1). The Safawis also had two goals disallowed after VAR reviews.
A goalless draw was recorded between Shabab Sahel and Al-Mabarra (0-0) at Ahed’s ground, in a competitive match with few clear chances.

Standings After Matchday 1

Leading the table are Ahed, Joya, La Sagesse, and Nejmeh (3 points). Tadamon Sour, Safa, Sahel, and Mabarra follow with 1 point each, while Ansar, Racing, Bourj, and Riyadi Abbassiyé remain scoreless.

With fiery derbies, ambitious newcomers, and top sides already making their mark, the Lebanese Championship has started in spectacular fashion. And although the season has just begun, the opening thrills hint at an edition full of passion.