For a nation that has a long history with and deep affection for the game, it’s little wonder that Lebanon has often been described as a sleeping giant of West Asian football.
There was a period during the 1960s when the nation was a regular fixture at the tournament that developed into the FIFA Arab Cup™ and more recently the Cedars have featured at the past two editions of the Asian Cup.
On the brink of qualifying for a third consecutive continental championship and in the midst of a strong run of form, there’s a sense that the sleeping giant is well and truly stirring.
Those credentials will be put to the test as Lebanon square off with Sudan on 26 November for a place in the group stage at this year’s edition of the Arab Cup.
At the helm for the recent revival has been vastly experienced head coach Miodrag Radulovic. The Montenegrin mentor returned for his second stint ahead of last year’s Asian Cup and although the Cedars fell in the group stage it didn’t take long for things to click.
A draw with Palestine and a win over Bangladesh saw FIFA World Cup™ qualifying end on a positive note and they have raced through the final stage of Asian Cup qualification with four wins and a draw from those five matches.
All that has Radulovic confident that Lebanon are in a good position heading into the one-off regional qualifier this week, as he explains to FIFA.
“The results we’ve achieved so far are certainly worthy of respect. We have built a high-quality group of players who have embraced the demands of modern football.
“This match now against Sudan is a reward for all the hard work, performances, and results that the team has produced in recent months.
“I am confident that Lebanese football has a successful future ahead, we have rejuvenated the team and played several strong matches against tough opponents.
“Even though we will be missing a few players [for the Arab Cup] I remain optimistic.”
That positivity, as recent results demonstrate, is certainly warranted. In addition to the Asian Cup qualifiers, the nation has also played a couple of high-profile international matches that have continued to fortify their Arab Cup preparations.
A scoreless draw in September against an Indonesian side that came within two matches of reaching the World Cup followed a 1-0 defeat on the road against Qatar a month earlier.
The goal that the Cedars conceded in that clash was, impressively, the only blemish on their outstanding recent defensive record, with ten of their other 11 prior outings all producing clean sheets.
That further fuels Radulovic’s belief that Lebanon could well be an Arab Cup surprise package, although he is also keenly aware of the challenge that a dangerous Sudan side pose.
“Participation in the Arab Cup would be a fitting reward for everything this group has achieved over the past year and a half. The Arab Cup represents prestige — World Cup stadiums, top-quality teams, passionate crowds — an environment that would further develop our players and provide valuable experience.
“A play-off match is always special too because there is no room for mistakes. Recently, we have played against strong sides such as Qatar and Indonesia, and the experience from those matches will be very useful.
“Sudan has the typical characteristics of African teams: strong, powerful, technically skilled, full of duels, running, and aggression. I have great respect for them as a team.
“However, we are in a good moment; our players are confident, and we’ll try to use that to impose our style of play and take control from the first minute.”
Radulovic’s return has seen a rejuvenation of the national team, with several teenage talents handed the chance to impress. One of those, 18-year-old forward Samy Merheg, has been a revelation since his late 2024 debut and has already found the back of the next in two crucial Asian Cup qualifiers.
That prompted high praise from his national coach who views the Colombian-born striker as an important part of a promising new generation.
“Samy is one of the young players who has stood out thanks to his great talent, and we decided to give him an opportunity. He made the most of it and has shown that he has the potential to be a key player for Lebanon for many years. Very soon, football fans around the world will get to know his qualities.
“The young players have brought energy, speed, and aggressiveness, and they will represent the national team for many years to come. They have been warmly welcomed by the senior players, who have given them strong support. I believe they will prove against Sudan that they have a bright future ahead of them.”
As much as his return to the nation has produced an impressive revitalisation of Lebanese football, Radulovic too is delighted to be back in a country that he has a deep passion for. One that he warns is on the cusp of really starting to make a mark on the regional and continental stages.
“It was the pleasant memories and positive experience from my previous time [from 2015-19] in Lebanon that brought me back. I also deeply value my friendship with the federation’s leadership, whose support I feel, as well as that of the entire national team.
“Lebanese football is full of talent, and it’s a real pleasure to identify and help develop these players into top professionals who, I’m sure, will soon bring many reasons for celebration to the passionate Lebanese fans.
“In addition, the great weather, delicious food, warm and welcoming people, wonderful music, and the fact that Lebanon is not far from Montenegro are all reasons why I am here for the second time — and why I consider this country my second home.
“The performances and results of our current players are the best proof that Lebanon is on the right path to becoming one of the top 10 teams in Asia soon and I believe we will confirm that in the next two major competitions.”
Images courtesy of the AFC
