AFC Asian Cup - Lebanon 0 Saudi Arabia 2 - Match Report
Fahad Al-Muwallad's wonder goal hands Saudi a place in the round of sixteen
You can watch the Live Match Stream of Lebanon Vs Saudi Arabia via beIN CONNECT
Match Report
Saudi Arabia booked their place in the Asian Cup knockout stages as they made it two wins from two in Group E with a 2-0 triumph over Lebanon on Saturday.
Fahad Al Muwallad scored for the second successive game for Juan Antonio Pizzi’s impressive side, who had brushed aside 10-man North Korea 4-0 in their opener at this year’s tournament.
A beneficial break off a Lebanon defender teed up Fawad to smash home the loose ball with his right foot, the ball flashing beyond goalkeeper Mehdi Khalil before he had time to react.
Saudi Arabia doubled their lead in the 67th minute, Hussain Almoqahwi poking home from close range, as they recorded back-to-back victories at an Asian Cup for the first time since 1996 - the year they last went on to be crowned champions.
Lebanon will regret their failure to take opportunities when only a goal behind, Joan Oumari wasting the best of them when he planted a free header from a corner wide of the target.
George Felix Melki also failed to make contact with a free-kick from deep when at full stretch, letting Saudi Arabia off the hook again towards the end of an open first half.
Lebanon remained in contention after the break thanks to their goalkeeper, with Khalil spectacularly denying Hatan Bahbri’s long-range strike before showing his bravery to rush out and deny Fawad.
However, Almoqahwi converted Bahbri’s teasing left-footed delivery from Saudi Arabia’s right flank to wrap up the points.
The three-time winners conclude their group fixtures with a clash against Qatar, who first take on North Korea on Sunday, in what could be a head-to-head battle to finish top of the table.
Goals
Goal! Housain Al-Moqahwi taps in from close range! Saudi surely have all three points now.
Goal! Fahad Al-Muwallad shows great technique to smash the ball past Mehdi Khalil. Saudi Arabia takes the lead!
Live Updates
Preamble
These Lebanon fans are doubling up well!
Saturday: Behind their national team 🇱🇧
Sunday: Behind the Red Devils @ManUtd 🔴 pic.twitter.com/GJjOq13Wm2 — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 12, 2019
The Saudi fans are here! 20 minutes away till game time!
Time for all of us to 🤲. #KSAvLEB pic.twitter.com/Q0c1D90NSA — Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT_EN) January 12, 2019
Team News! Two changes for Lebanon, Mohamad Haidar & Kassem Al Zein come into the side. As for Saudi, one change 22-year old Hamdan Al-Shamrani comes in at right-back for Yasser Al-Shahrani.
📝 🇱🇧 Lebanon 🆚 Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Lineups are in and we're less than one hour away from the group E clash!#AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/G99Hkwy7Kk — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 12, 2019
In more ticket news! The Saudi FA dished out the tickets to fans of the Green Falcons for free, what a lovely gesture!
We wanted to inform you that the tickets which were allocated to our fans free of charge, courtesy of the Saudi Football Federation, have all been given away.
Thank you for very much for being our backbone and showing your support wherever we go. 🇸🇦💚 — Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT_EN) January 12, 2019
It's a sell-out tonight! Expect a lively atmosphere!
Tickets for 🇱🇧 v 🇸🇦 are sold out!
No tickets available at the stadium. Gates will be opened from 5pm so please arrive early! #AsianCup2019 pic.twitter.com/11EdohHCYY — #AsianCup2019 (@afcasiancup) January 12, 2019
Right! Just under an hour to go till kick-off in Dubai, the Lebanon fans are out in force!
Lebanese fans in the House. #AsianCup2019 @FALebanon pic.twitter.com/t8wlViiKvH — Shuaib Ahmed (@footynions) January 12, 2019
Good evening! Welcome to the Live Updates of Lebanon Vs Saudi Arabia in the Asian Cup! Can the Cedars upset the odds and shock Saudi Arabia tonight in Dubai? The Green Falcons certainly impressed in their opening game of the group, comprehensively defeating North Korea, and Juan Antonio Pizzi will be targeting another win to book his side a place in the round of sixteen. As ever, join me for all the build-up for the game along with live match commentary and the goals as they go in!