Lebanon’s 2023 SAFF Championship campaign kicks off with a 2-0 victory against Bangladesh

powerful competitors At the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in this city on Thursday, Lebanon’s SAFF Championship campaign got off to a tense start with a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh, a past champion.

The crucial goal was scored by Hassan Maatouk for Lebanon in the 74th minute, and Khalil Bader added a second in stoppage time. However, the contest was evenly balanced before those pivotal moments as both sides exchanged blows.

There was plenty of excitement in the game even though Lebanon and Bangladesh are ranked 99th and 192nd, respectively, in the FIFA Rankings.

However, the first half was somewhat less exciting since the teams may have been scouting the pitch and each other. The more powerful team in the period was Lebanon, who had a few opportunities but lacked the skill to capitalise on them.

However, the second half saw a significant shift in the style and pace of play. Bangladesh and Lebanon both made all-out efforts to end the tie.

Neither side made many hard movements as the play’s intensity increased. Ali Tneich of Lebanon and Bishwanath Ghosh of Bangladesh had to be given two yellow cards in rapid succession by referee John Crystal for rough tackling.

After the break, Lebanon had the first real opportunity. Zein Al Farran was able to avoid a few Bangladeshi defenders after receiving a fast ball from the left flank, but he was stopped by custodian Anisur Rahman’s extended arms.

Soon after, Mohammad Foysal, who was only a kick away from scoring, was halted in his tracks, and Lebanon custodian Ali Sabeh had to put his body on the line to stop him.

The star performer for Bangladesh was Foysal, who was a constant danger with his quick runs.

Just as the game was about to end in a scoreless draw, Lebanon gained some motivation. After receiving the ball from a defender, Karim Darwich quickly located Maatouk who was positioned in the Bangladesh half.

Players from Lebanon threw their hands in the air in relief as Maatouk skillfully handled the long pass and slid the ball past Rahman. It remained that way thanks to Bader’s goal in the extra time.