Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Beirut: Lebanon kicked off the final phase of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 on Tuesday evening with a 2-0 win over Hong Kong at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium.
Goals from Mohamad Ghaddar and Hassan Maatouk were enough to secure all three points for Miodrag Radulovic’s side as action in Group B, which also features DPR Korea and Malaysia, commenced.
Lebanon have only previously appeared at the finals of the AFC Asian Cup in 2000, when the west Asian nation hosted the competition, while Hong Kong are seeking to book their place at the tournament for the first time since featuring in Iran in 1968.
After a slow start by both teams, it was the Lebanese who began to take the upper hand as the half reached the midway point and, as a result, it came as little surprise when the hosts went in front.
Maatouk’s cross into the area was met by Ghaddar, who headed beyond Hong Kong goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai to give his side the lead.
Seven minutes later, Lebanon doubled their advantage when the Hong Kong defence was unable to clear Rabih Ataya’s corner and the ball eventually fell at the feet of Maatouk, who scored from close range.
After a disappointing first half, Hong Kong were left chasing the game in the second 45 minutes.
Kim Pan-gon’s side went agonisingly close to salvaging a late consolation only to see Ju Yingzhi’s 93rd minute free kick to come back off the woodwork, leaving Hong Kong with nothing to show for their efforts.
Hong Kong next host DPR Korea on June 13 while the Lebanese travel to Kuala Lumpur to take on Malaysia.
Photo: AFP