- 05
- Nov.
- 2025
In Aqaba, Lebanon’s youngsters came within touching distance of the title: 1–1 in regular time, then a 3–5 defeat on penalties against Saudi Arabia. A final seized through sheer courage, lost by a whisker, which nevertheless confirms the rise of a tight-knit, competitive generation.
Mission (almost) accomplished. In the final of the 12th West Asian Football Federation tournament, Lebanon U17 led deep into the home straight before being pegged back and then falling in the shootout. Adnan Madi had shown the way in the 73rd minute, punishing a Saudi goalkeeper error with a clever strike. But in stoppage time, Saudi Arabia snatched the equaliser, pushing the verdict to the dreaded penalties (1–1, 3–5 pens). Cruel on the scoreboard, rich in lessons on the pitch: organisation, calm, solidarity — the trio that carried the Cedars all the way again answered the call.
The match story
A disciplined start from Lebanon: compact block, clean outlets, razor-sharp transitions. After the break, the plan held firm, until a poorly handled ball by the Saudi defence that Madi finished with composure (73'). The finale turned into an arm-wrestle: managing weak spells, tightening the lines, and decisive interventions from Jason Finianos. Then the hammer blow at the death: Saudi Arabia levelled on 90 minutes — straight to the spot. There, the Saudis were flawless (5–3) while Lebanon stumbled once. The title flew away by a hair.
Key men
A poacher at the right time and a constant menace between the lines, Adnan Madi embodied Lebanon’s impetus. Around him, the collective platform made the difference: Marc Abi Mansour and Hatem Safieddine strong in duels, William Kiameh and Anthony Chahine disciplined out wide, a hard-working midfield (Issa Daher, Antoine Assaf, Karim Jomaa), and Youssef Badran’s spark to stretch the play. In goal, Jason Finianos kept the house standing in the hot moments.
A campaign that counts
Lebanon emerge strengthened from their campaign: opening-day draws against Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, a deserved win over Iraq to book the semi-final, then a suffocating derby edged on penalties against Syria (1–1, 4–3 pens). A final lost by a whisker does not erase the essentials: consistency, personality, and progress match after match.
Eyes on Asian qualifying
Now on to the U17 Asian qualifiers starting 22 November 2025. Lebanon have been drawn in Group D alongside Iran, hosts India, Palestine and Chinese Taipei: a tough field, yet within reach for a team that has learned — in two weeks — to defend together, suffer together… and aim high.
Comments