Lebanon's Hilal Al Helwe celebrates after scoring a goal against Djibouti, yesterday.
Hilal Al Helwe was the scorer as Lebanon confirmed berth in this year’s first FIFA Arab Cup with a 1-0 victory over Djibouti at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday.
With a hard-fought play-off win, Lebanon joined Algeria, Egypt and Libya in Group D for Arab world’s football showpiece event to be played from November 30 to December 18 in Qatar.
Although Lebanon dominated the match, it was far from an easy win for the Asian side, who despite being 90 places above Djibouti in the world rankings, failed to break down their opponents.
But Al Helwe’s brilliant goal in the 47th minute of the match sealed victory for them against the Africans, who played with a deep defence and frustrated their rivals for a large part.
The inter-continental clash started with Lebanon enjoying the lion’s share of possession with the Asian side’s first chance arriving in the 20th minute.
After Nour Mansour’s through ball found Mohamed Haidar, the latter charged towards the Djibouti box but goalkeeper Mbonihankuye Innocent was quick to spot the danger and blocked the shot.
At the other end, Djibouti had a decent chance but Temidayo Samuel’s cut back was shot wide by Mahamoud Doualeh with both teams locked goalless at half-time.
After the break, Lebanon came back with more intent and took the lead in the 47th minute.
After Innocent gave possession with his goal kick, Mohamed Haidar picked out Al Helwe with a clever chip with the striker then controlling the ball superbly before slamming into the net.
Al Helwe’s ninth goal for his country gave Lebanon the momentum and they created more chances thereafter but failed with finished touches.
Palestine, Comoros to square off for Group C berth
Action will shift to the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium tonight when Palestine will clash with Comoros in the penultimate play-off.
The match is expected to produce thrilling action as the two aspiring teams are eager to qualify for the Arab Cup.
World No.104 Palestine, considered as an emerging football nation in Asia, will have an upper hand going into the match but rising Comros, who are seeking qualification in second major event after booking their maiden ticket for the next Africa Cup of Nations, may prove themselves a difficult challenge for the ‘The Lions of Canaan’.
Palestine coach Makram Daboub said his team was ready for the match with an eye on qualification for Arab Cup, after going out of contention for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 berth recently in Saudi Arabia.
“We have completed our preparations for what will be a crucial match for us,” Daboub told reporters at a virtual news conference yesterday.
“Our target is to win as qualifying for the Arab Cup, which will bring together the best football nations of the region, will be a huge achievement,” he added.
Comros, who saw an end to their chances of qualifying for the Qatar 2022, made amends by qualifying for Cameroon 2021 from a tough group that included African powerhouse Egypt, Kenya and Togo, and Daboub, was expecting a tough fight from Comros.
“It will be a difficult match and both teams will have equal chance of winning. The Asian double qualifiers were the best preparation for us and we need to be focused,” the Palestine coach said.
Comoros assistant coach Younis Zarduk, meanwhile, was confident of a good performance from his team.
“Our team is a unit and all the players are looking forward to qualify for the prestigious Arab Cup. Palestine are a good side and it is going to be a difficult match,” Zarduk told reporters yesterday.
“We want to play the Arab Cup and that ambition will bring the best out of players. We are looking forward to win the match,” he added.
