- 08:40
Three days after their 2–0 victory, Lebanon will be back in action against Bhutan on Tuesday (7 PM Beirut time) at the Saud bin Abdulrahman Stadium in Al-Wakrah. Miodrag Radulović's goal is to secure a second consecutive victory in the third round of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup and maintain the group's lead.
The stage is set: with 7 points, the Lebanese are approaching this second leg with the ambition of securing maximum points in the international window. Behind them, Yemen trails by 5 points, Brunei has 3 points, and Bhutan brings up the rear with 1 point. On Thursday, at Hamad Al-Kabir, the first match went Lebanon's way (2–0) thanks to Walid Shour and Jihad Ayoub. This time, the scene shifts to Saud bin Abdulrahman, a venue already familiar to the Lebanese since their resounding opening victory against Brunei (5–0).
Radulović Sets the Course
The Montenegrin coach has put video back at the heart of his preparations: key sequences from the first match, details to be corrected in the finishing, and clear instructions on attacking play. "I'm satisfied with the content, but we need to convert more quickly, especially if we dominate the early stages of the game. We respect Bhutan: they run hard and fight hard. It's up to us to score at the right time to make the game easier for ourselves," he summarized. The mood remained positive in the Lebanese camp with a program combining active recovery and targeted work on ball distribution.
An Ever-Ambitious Starting Eleven
Radulović is expected to make only minor changes to a starting eleven that has held its own: Mostafa Matar in goal; a back line of Hussein Zein, Khalil Khamis, Walid Shour, and Mohamad Safwan; a midfield centered around Mohamad Haidar (captain) and Ahmad Kheireddine, with Ali Kassas also playing an active role. Up front, Hussein Chakroun's power, Karim Darwich's mobility, and Samy Merhej's runs remain key assets. Behind them, the bench has already proven its impact: Zein Farran and Jihad Ayoub made their mark in the first leg, as did Malek Fakhro and Ali Tneich when needed. Note: offensive changes are being considered if the staff confirms the unavailability of Karim Darwich, who has been allowed to leave Doha for personal reasons.
Haidar Calls on the Diaspora
Captain Mohamad Haidar's message is clear: "We know our opponents better; it's up to us to be more decisive. The support of the Lebanese community in Qatar counted on Thursday, and we are counting on it again. " The roadmap is simple: secure three more points, widen the gap over Yemen, and move a little closer to Lebanon’s dream of qualifying as group leader.
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