Mohamad Hammoud scores a last-minute winner for Bourj FC in the 12th minute of stoppage time

Bourj FC 1-0 (0-0) Al Riyadi Al Abbasiyah FC

Mohamad Hammoud 90'+12'

Friday, 19 December 2025, 2:15 pm local time (12:15 pm UTC), Al Ahed Stadium, Ouzai (Beirut), Lebanon, 10th round of the Lebanese Premier League.

Bourj FC after the second consecutive win. Photo source: Bourj FC Facebook page

After a poor start of the season, Bourj FC managed to get 6 very important points against direct opponents in the fight against relegation, the bottom classified Racing (2-1 win last week) and second-to-last classified Al Riyadi Al Abbasiyah, this Friday. These six points were crucial to keep them as far away as possible from the two places at the bottom of the table, which are the teams to be relegated at the end of the season. 

Edward Atadana Kwame (in black, left, Al Riyadi Al Abbasiyah) in possession is challenged by Kassem Al Shoum (in yellow, Bourj FC) under the look of Hassan Bitar (Al Riyadi Al Abbasiyah, far behind, in black, left) and Haidar Khreiss (Bourj FC, right). Photo source: Bourj FC Facebook page

The match against Al Riyadi Al Abbasiyah was not easy at all, and the two teams fought hard to maintain possession and control in midfield, which they did rather alternatively, with periods belonging to both teams. 

Both teams had opportunities to break the deadlock in the first half, but the defenders and goalkeepers took their job very seriously, so it was 0-0 at the break.

A usual dispute in the centre of the field between central midfielders Yasser Dimachek (Bourj FC, left) and Fadel Ajami (captain of Al Riyadi Al Abbasiyah, right). Photo source: Bourj FC Facebook page

The second half was more lively, and Bourj FC took the initiative more than their opponents, which gave them more chances and even led to a goal. Haider Khreiss crossed from the left side and one of Al Riyadi Al Abbasiyah defenders headed perfectly... into his own goal (60').

However, after a few minutes of waiting, the referee was called by the VAR and it was decided that the entire action started originally from an offside position of one of the Bourj players, although this had been some time ago compared to the specific action which led to the (own) goal. Nevertheless, the referee cancelled the goal for offside. So, still 0-0.

Bourj FC players congratulate Haidar Khreiss (captain, first from the right), but the (own) goal was eventually cancelled for offside. Photo source: Bourj FC Facebook page

The final part of the match was very disputed. Adama Diaw played this time as the main striker for Bourj FC and had some great opportunities to score, but was denied. Ahmad Hijazi was introduced (69') to strengthen the attack. Al Riyadi Al Abbasiyah defended well, however. A lot of time was wasted for all sorts of injuries, more or less real, apart from the few minutes due to the VAR check on the cancelled goal.

The main events of the match happened at the end of stoppage time. Ezra Amelinsa, the Ghanaian centre back of Al Riyadi Al Abbasiyah, who have already had a yellow card from the first half, committed a tactical foul in a position which could be considered as the last defender. He did not receive a straight red, but anyway the second yellow meant the same, and he was sent off (90'+10'). He probably considered that this was the last action of the game.

However, the referee let the free kick to be taken. Mohamad Hammoud took the free kick, as his main foot is left, and the free kick was from the right side, quite far away from the box. All players were in the box, waiting for Hammoud to send the ball for a final battle. Possibly the referee indicated that this was the lact action of the game, it was already minute 102'. Mohamad Hammoud crossed the ball, but at the same time directed it towards the goal: nobody touched it, although one Bourj player was close to that, and two defenders were unable to reach it, while the goalkeeper was tricked and the ball went pass him and into the net: 1-0 (90'+12').

 Bourj FC players celebrated. Photo source: Bourj FC Facebook page

The final whistle brought the much desired three points to Bourj FC. They now have 10 points and still have a mathematical chance (realistically very low) to reach the top six, and therefore the play-off. It is almost impossible especially because they will have to play against Al Ahed (tomorrow, 25 December) and Ansar (on 31 December, probably), two of the best teams in the Lebanese Premier League.

Anyway, the fact that they might not reach the play-off is nowadays of secondary importance. It looks like the club itself is once again on the brink of collapse. President and main sponsor Fadi Nasser stated once again that he is about to leave the club, and this time for good. He announced that the salaries will be paid for December, but not afterwards, and the players are free to go to other clubs during the transfer period. The transfer period has lready begun, and it seems that some players have already signed preliminary agreements with other clubs in these circumstance.

The situation is unfortunately even more serious than it was in summer 2024 or in summer 2025. During the summer holidays, there was enough time for the club management to find supplementary financial backup. Now, there is no time left. The regular season is approaching its end, and the play-off and play-out are to start soon. We will see if a miracle happens for Bourj FC at the end of 2025. The positive results of the last two matches might be considered as a serious proposal for a potential investor that the club still exists and the team is good, it has results, and would likely avoid relegation if the same squad and the same staff remains.

Bourj FC: Hassan Hazimeh - Sajed Amhaz (Youssef Anbar 90'+2'), Hassan Abdallah Hazimeh, Mamadou Touré, Hussein Fahes - Yasser Dimachek (Youssef Atriss 69'), Abdoulaye Fall (Mohamad Al Sibai "Wartan" 90'+2') - Kassem Al Shoum (Ahmad Hijazi 69'), Haidar Khreiss, Mouhamed Soumah (Mohamad Hammoud 86') - Adama Diaw. Manager: Ahmad Atwi.

Al Riyadi Al Abbasiyah: Zaher El Amin - Wael El Youssef (Khodor Hallak 67'), Ezra Amelinsa, Hassan Bitar, Ali Azzam (Sadek Farhat 67') - Mohamad Al Faour, Edward Atadana Kwame - Fadel Ajami, Jehad Abou El Aynein (Mahdi Fahs 67'), Issah Akuka - Samuel Ofori (Hussein Jawad Khalife 87'). Manager: Mohamed Zouheir.

Referee: Wael Haidar.

Yellow cards: Mohamad El Sibai "Wartan" 90'+4' - Ezra Amelinsa 34', 90'+10', Issah Akuka 71'.

Red card: Ezra Amelinsa 90'+10'.

The next match for Bourj FC will be on 25 December 2025 at 2:15 pm local time against Al Ahed, to be played at Safa Stadium.

Cusco FC won the play-off for the second place and qualified for the group stage of Copa Libertadores

Cusco FC 2-0 (1-0) Sporting Cristal

Colman 37' penalty, Callejo 56'

First leg: 0-1. Cusco FC won 2-1 on aggregate.

Sunday, 14 December 2025, 6 pm local time (11 pm UTC), Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium, Cusco, Peru, 2nd leg of the play-off final, Peruvian First Division (Liga 1).

 Cusco FC starting line-up. Photo source: Cusco FC Facebook page

 Sporting Cristal starting line-up. Photo source: Liga 1 Facebook page

Cusco FC had their greatest achievement in their history on Sunday evening, the 14th of December 2025, when they succeeded to win 2-0 (and 2-1 on aggregate) over Sporting Cristal in the play-off final for the second place. It is true, for those who remember, that they were runners-up three times before, when their name was Real Garcilaso, in 2012, 2013, and 2017, but in two of those situations they ended up in second place after losing the play-off for the title, and certainly there was no joy in losing the title, while in 2017 they classified second without any play-offs. This time, according to the new regulations, even if Universitario became champions by winning both tournaments of the year (Apertura and Clausura), a play-off for the second place was organised for the first time in the history of Peruvian football. This was not necessarily what Cusco FC would have wanted, since they finished second in the aggregate table anyway. The third (Alianza Lima) and fourth (Sporting Cristal) classified played a semifinal, and Sporting Cristal qualified to the final rather surprisingly at penalties, after two draws, 1-1 and 3-3.

In the first leg of the final, Sporting Cristal won 1-0 at home, the only goal scored by Santiago González rather early (15'). Sporting Cristal missed several chances to increase their advantage, but Cusco FC also had a huge chance to equalize in the final minutes, when Juan Manuel Tévez missed the target in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper.

Marlon Ruidías (Cusco FC, left) tries to get past Maxloren Castro (Sporting Cristal). Photo source: Liga 1 Facebook page

In Cusco, the match started from 1-0 to Sporting Cristal, the slender advantage that the team of Lima had from the first leg. The visitors focused primarily on wasting as much time as possible in the first 35 minutes of the game, keeping the ball away from their own box, fragmenting the game, and establishing a pace as low as possible. Even when they had the chance of a swift and dangerous counterattack, they preferred to scale down and to keep possession of the ball, instead of creating a chance. On the other hand, Cusco FC tried to built up the attacks in the usual style, but it did not work out so well in the first half an hour, possibly because they tried too much to speed things up, when a calmer mood would have probably helped more.

The first chance came after more than half an hour, when Marlon Ruidías had a good shot from range, but Enríquez saved (31'). This gave the signal for a more serious offensive from the home side, and it paid off quickly. The same Ruidías crossed from the right side, and Miguel Araujo tackled Pierre da Silva inside the box (35'). The referee left the game to continue for a few seconds more, but Cusco FC did not score, so he whistled and awarded a penalty for Cusco FC. Ivan Colman converted calmly: 1-0 (37').

 

Ivan Colman (Cusco FC) converted the penalty, bringing the final to a tie on aggregate. Photo source: Cusco FC Facebook page

After the goal, Sporting Cristal woke up from the dead and started playing some football, while Cusco FC retreated instinctively in defence, although they actually needed a second goal to win the play-off final. The match became more animated. Cusco FC had a number of dangerous crosses from the right, while Sporting Cristal reached several times the opposite box. The biggest chance of the visitors in the first half came in stoppage time, when Gerald Távara's shot from long range was blocked by goalkeeper Díaz (45'+1').

Cusco FC centre-back Carlos Gamarra headed the ball away in front of Diego Otoya (Sporting Cristal). Photo source: Liga 1 Facebook page

The second half started equally interesting, with both teams in search of a goal that would bring them in advantage. Once again, Cusco FC seemed the team more willing and eager to attack, and once again they were rewarded. Lucas Colitto took a corner from the left side, Fuentes made a sort of paravan for Facundo Callejo, whose right-footed powerful shot went in: 2-0 (56').

Facundo Callejo (left) celebrates after he scored the second and decisive goal of the game, joined by Carlo Díez. Photo source: Cusco FC Facebook page

Paulo Autuori, Sporting Cristal manager, reacted and made three changes (60'), a little bit too late, I would say. The game was actually played. However, the visitors had more than 30 minutes to score a goal and force the penalties, as they did against Alianza Lima in the semifinal, when they came back from 3-1 for Alianza to 3-3, and then they won the penalty shoot-outs. But this happened in Lima, because both Alianza and Sporting Cristal are from Lima. It is different in Cusco, at more than 3,000 metres above sea level. The locals are adapted, those from Lima are not, and their physical strength was on a descending curve in the second half, despite the substitutions, which actually did not bring too much.

The biggest danger came from Gerald Távara, whose long range shots (one of them from a free kick, 71') gave some trouble to goalkeeper Díaz. A potential numerical superiority in an attack was poorly judged by newly-entered Luis Iberico, who chose to try a shot instead of a logical pass to one of the free teammates ideally placed in the box (77').

Pierre da Silva, who had made an excellent game until then, had the bad idea of tackling hard Santiago González from behind (79'). He probably knew he was going to be substituted, and possibly had some sort of revenge to take against the Cristal winger. He thought a yellow card would not be much. Wrong decision. The referee gave him a yellow card initially, but after reviewing the action with the help of VAR he changed his mind and awarded a straight red (83'). Therefore, Da Silva left his team down to 10 men in a difficult situation, while Aucca, who was prepared to come in (celebrating his 150th match for Cusco FC), had to remain on the bench.

In the final minutes, tensions rose to new heights. There was an incident involving a ball boy who kept the ball in his hands, to be taken away somewhat aggresively by one Sporting Cristal staff. Several minutes went before the situation calmed. The referee indicated 7 minutes of stoppage time, then 9 minutes of stoppage time, then 10. Cusco FC wasted as much time as possible, while Sporting Cristal created as much pressure as they could in the opposite box, but their actions became predictible, with long high balls sent randomly in the box and easily cleared by Cusco FC defenders, on and on again.

Cusco FC players celebrating together with the large crowd that came to support them. Photo source: Cusco FC Facebook page

There was nothing else to be done, Cusco FC resisted until the final whistle, and the game finished 2-0. Cusco FC won 2-1 on aggregate, won the play-off for the second place, and qualified after 8 years in the group stages of Copa Libertadores.

Cusco FC, 2025 runners-up of the Peruvian First Division (Liga 1). Photo source: Cusco FC Facebook page

After the game, the Peruvian Federation officials gave the silver medals to all the players and staff of Cusco FC, who celebrated this achievement in the field together with their supporters. 

The entire squad deserves to be congratulated, but special mentions need to go to Pedro Díaz, the best goalkeeper in the league, Ivan Colman, the player with most assists in the league (18 assists), and Facundo Callejo, the best goalscorer of the league, with 25 goals. It is worth noting that the second best in terms of assists is Lucas Colitto, also of Cusco FC, with 11 assists.

Goalkeeper Pedro Díaz with the award for the best goalkeeper in the play-offs. He was also recently called up for the Peru national team as well. Photo source: Cusco FC Facebook page

These results would not have been possible without the team led by manager Miguel Rondelli. His contribution to the accomplishments of Cusco FC in the last 2 years is enormous, and he should be kept in charge as long as possible. One wonders how far can he get with this team.

Cusco FC: Díaz - Ruidías (Zevallos 86'), Fuentes, Gamarra, Ampuero - Valenzuela, Diez - Da Silva, Colman, Colitto (Silva 65') - Callejo (Tévez 74'). Manager: Miguel Rondelli.

Sporting Cristal: Enríquez - Sosa, Araujo, Lütiger, Castro (Iberico 76') - Távara, Cazonatti (Pretell 60'), Wisdom (Pasquini 60') - S. González, Otoya (Ávila 65'), Pacheco (Benavente 60'). Manager: Paulo Autuori.

Referee: Bruno Pérez.

Yellow cards: Ampuero 51', Fuentes 69' - Pacheco 26', Távara 54', C. Gonzales 81'.

Red card: Da Silva 83'.

Cusco FC staff, including manager Miguel Rondelli (third from the right). Photo source: Cusco FC Facebook page

Mallawi SC gets the first point this season in front of Fayoum SC

Mallawi SC 1-1 (1-1) Fayoum SC

Amr Al Hawy 43' - Hisham 33'

Tuesday, 9 December 2025, 2:30 pm local time (12:30 pm UTC), Matai Stadium, Matai, Egypt, 12th round of the Egyptian Second Division B, group B.

 Mallawi SC starting line-up. Photo source: Mallawi SC Facebook page

The two captains and the referees before the start of the game. Photo source: Mallawi SC Facebook page

Fayoum SC were big favourites before the match, because Mallawi were not able to get a single point so far this season, losing all their previous 10 games played. However, the situation on the pitch was very different from the predictions, and the final 1-1 draw was rather accurate in terms of what happened in the game.

Both teams had periods of domination and control of the game. The visitors started better, and they pressed for more than 30 minutes, until they were able to take the lead. A free kick was taken from the right side, quite far from the box, the ball was crossed properly somewhere near the penalty spot, and Hisham headed home: 0-1 (33').

However, after the goal Fayoum SC changed their tactics, and retreated in defensive, leaving the home side to take control of the midfield and to attack. This offensive brought the equalizer quite quickly, as a low cross from the right side reached the opposite side of the box to Amr Al Hawy, who found the proper touch to score: 1-1 (43').

The equalizer gave Mallawi even more impetus, and they had a big chance to take the lead in the added time to the first half, when, one on one with the goalkeeper, one of their strikers missed the target.

In the second half, Mallawi had the biggest chances as well, in 53' (another shot close to the target), 69' and 74' (a well-executed free kick, right below the crossbar, saved by the goalkeeper).

Nevertheless, in the final minutes, the situation changed and Fayoum once again took control of the game and pressed for a winning goal, being close to it in several occasions. They also claimed a penalty, not given by the referee.

The match was broadcasted live by Mallawi SC on Facebook.

Referee: Mohamed Abdel-Mottaleb. 

With this result, Fayoum are 9th (out of 14 teams) in the standings, with 13 points (3 wins, 4 draws, and 4 defeats in 11 matches), while Mallawi remain bottom of the table (14th), with this point (1 draw and 10 defeats in 11 matches). 

Narrow win for Shabab Al Sahel over Bourj FC in the Dahieh derby

Shabab Sahel 1-0 (0-0) Bourj FC 

Hassan Salameh 53'

Saturday, 6 December 2025, 2:15 pm local time (12:15 pm UTC), Al Ahed Stadium, Ouzai (Beirut), Lebanon, 8th round of the Lebanese Premier League. 

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

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

The Dahieh derby between Shabab Al Sahel and Bourj FC came in a moment when the two teams were in opposite form - Shabab Al Sahel improving their results match by match, while Bourj FC in a decline materialized by four consecutive defeats before this game, and a fifth one at the conclusion of this match, whose result reflects properly the contrasting evolution of the two teams lately.

Hussein Fahs (Bourj FC, in yellow) and Victor Abata (Shabab Al Sahel) in a spectacular duel for the ball. Photo source: Lebanese FA Facebook page

However, on the pitch, on an unusual cloudy and even rainy afternoon, the situation was much balanced. In the first half, the periods of possession and offensive action were quite equally distributed between the two teams, with Shabab Al Sahel more active in the first 20-25 minutes, and Bourj FC more dangerous towards the end of the first half, with some good opportunities to score for both teams.

Mahmoud Hoteit (Shabab Sahel, left) and Kassem Al Shoum (Bourj FC, in yellow) in a duel for possession. Photo source: Lebanese FA Facebook page

The match was decided at the beginning of the second half. There were numerous corner kicks in both halfs for both teams, and indeed many dangerous situations occurred due to set pieces throughout the game, so it was somehow logical that if a goal was to be scored, it would have been the result of a set piece. Mohamad Haidar took a corner from the right side to the near post, and Hassan Salameh had an exceptional shot from between several Bourj FC players, sending the ball home to the opposite corner from a difficult position: 1-0 (53').

Hassan Salameh (left) scored the decisive goal of the match. Photo source: Lebanese FA Facebook page

The goal pretty much closed the game. Although there was plenty of time to play, Shabab Sahel applied a defensive tactics which worked, trying to keep the ball as far away as possible from their own box, fragmenting the game, launching swift counterattacks, and overall they succeeded to preserve the result until the end. Bourj FC did not find a way to break through the opposite defense, they even had less chances than before the goal was scored, because Shabab Sahel covered very well all the possible ways towards their goal, all the existing space in front of their box. Unfortunately, Bourj FC no longer has a player capable of unlocking such a tight defense, and all their efforts were in vain.

Shabab Al Sahel celebrated at the end together with their fans. Photo source: Shabab Al Sahel Facebook page

Shabab Al Sahel: Ibrahim El Mokdad - Abdallah Moughrabi (Issa Ndiaye 77', Hussein Rizk 88'), Hadi Jezzini, Franklin Kuete Talla, Hassan Hazimeh - Mahmoud Hoteit, Mohamad Haidar - Ali Fakieh, Hassan Salameh, Mohamad Markabawi (Fadel Assi 90'+4') - Victor Abata. Manager: Saeed Iskandar. 

Bourj FC: Ali Hajj Hassan - Sajed Amhaz, Mamadou Touré, Hussein Fahs, Mohamad Hammoud (Youssef Anbar 66') - Yasser Dimachek (Ali Rahhal 79'), Youssef Atriss (Abdoulaye Fall 67') - Adama Diaw (Ibrahim Mhana 79'), Kassem Al Shoum, Haidar Khriess - Mouhamed Soumah (Daniel Abou Fakher 67'). Manager: Ahmad Atwi. 

Referee: Ali Al Ashkar. 

Yellow cards: Hassan Hazimeh 82', Hussein Rizk 90'+6'.

The match was broadcasted live online on FIFA+ website. 

For Bourj FC, the next two matches are very important, because they will play against the only two teams which are below them in the standings: Racing (which are bottom of the table), and Riyadi Al Abbasiyah (second to last). Any bad result in these two matches might lead them in a relegation position, which is what they are trying hard to avoid.

For Shabab Sahel, on the other hand, the next matches (the first against Riyadi Al Abbasiyah) might provide them the opportunity to advance more in the table, and to reach the top 6 at the end of the regular season. They are currently seventh, just below that thin line which will separate teams playing the play-off and the play-out after the regular season ends.