Bourj and Safa out of the Federation Cup, Nejmeh through to semifinals

Bourj - Safa 1-1 (0-1)

Houssem Louati 90'+5' - Jordi Dennis 42'.

Wednesday, 12 July 2023, 5 pm local time (2 pm UTC), Amin Abdelnour Stadium, Bhamdoun (Aley), Lebanon, round 3 of Federation Cup, Group D.

 Bourj starting line-up. Photo source: Lebanese FA Facebook page

Safa starting line-up. Photo source: Lebanese FA Facebook page

In terms related to the Federation Cup, the calculations before this game were simple: Bourj needed to win at least by two goals in order to qualify for the semifinals. Any other result would have meant that Nejmeh qualify, as they had 4 points, drawing 0-0 to Bourj and winning 2-0 over Safa. 

In the field, things looked quite different. Safa, although without any chance to qualify, did not want to finish the competition with two defeats, so they gave an excellent reply and were very close to win the game. Bourj only equalized in stoppage time when it was too late for anything else.

Bilal Sabbagh (with the ball) leading one of the Bourj attacks. Photo source: Lebanese FA Facebook page

Bourj attacked almost all the time, but to no avail. Their offensive force relied almost exclusively on Houssem Louati, who had two good chances in the first 15 minutes. Ali Merkabaoui also escaped one on one with Safa's goalkeeper, but missed the shot entirely (18'). The newly-arrived Senegalese striker Aboubakar Camara showed good qualities in terms of strength and speed, but did not contribute to goals, and not even to offensive actions. 

Safa played cleverly, as they defended in a very organized manner and launched several attacks or counterattacks meant to surprise the opponents. In one of these occasions, the ball circulated very well upfront, reaching Jordi Dennis, whose long-range shot found the target to the right of the goalkeeper: 0-1 (42').

Safa players celebrated the opening goal of the match. Photo source: Lebanese FA Facebook page

The second half belonged almost exclusively to Bourj, which dominated the game in all aspects, but seemed unable to score. Their greatest chance came from a set piece, namely a free kick, executed by Houssem Louati into the crossbar (53').

Bourj attack improved with the introduction of Abou Baker Al Mel, Mohamad Saleh or Ali Chaito. Nevertheless, Safa goalkeeper made a great match, saving everything that could be saved. Bourj attackers were imprecise or their shots were blocked or saved.

Shadi Skaf (Bourj) with the ball. Photo source: Lebanese FA Facebook page

Defeat was eventually avoided in stoppage time. A long throw in from the right side managed to reach Khodor Hallak in the box, who headed towards his back, and Houssem Louati headed home from short range: 1-1 (90'+5').

It was a mere consolation goal for Bourj, which finished their participation in the Federation Cup undefeated, but also without winning a single match.

Bourj starting line-up: Ali Halal - Mohamad El Dor, Khodor Hallak, Shadi Skaf, Mohamed Zein Tahan - Mohamad El Faour, Mohamad Sibaii "Wartan" - Ali Merkabaoui, Bilal Sabbagh, Houssem Louati - Aboubakar Camara. Manager: Hussein Tahan.

As pointed out earlier, Bourj are still in a disadvantaged position compared to the previous season, as some of their best players left, and not equally good players joined in. The only exception, so far, seems to be Houssem Louati, but just one player is not enough to create danger to the opposite goal. Bourj are in big need of a striker, a classic no. 9, who may be the Senegalese Aboubakar Camara, if his form improves. As yet, he seems unable to score. There is also a need for an offensive central midfielder, a classic no. 10. Houssem Louati does not play normally in that position, since he is rather a winger. Of course, there is need for another winger, on the other side. The left back may also be a problem, since Youssef Anbar is injured (again). Mohamad Zein Tahan played in that position, which is clearly not for him. Solutions should be found soon.

Final table of Group D: Nejmeh 4 points, Bourj 2 points, Safa 1 point. Nejmeh qualified for the semifinals, where they will face Al Ahed. The other semifinal will feature the two newly-promoted teams, Al Ahly Nabatieh and Racing.