Lebanon defeat Singapore to sign off in style
Amman: Lebanon concluded their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Qualifiers Group A campaign with a 1-0 win against Singapore on Saturday.
Having started with two defeats, Wael Gharzeddine’s side bounced back to defeat Islamic Republic of Iran on Matchday Three before brushing aside Singapore, who closed their campaign with no points.
A cagey start to the game saw Lebanon having to make an early change after defender Tiana Jaber was forced off with an injury in the 11th minute following a tussle with Farah Nurzahirah, with Nathalie Matar replacing her.
Lebanon’s Zahwa Arabi looked to catch out Nur Izarida Shakira at her near post from a free-kick in the 27th minute but the alert Singapore custodian made a comfortable catch.
Lebanon ended the first half on the ascendency and nearly found the opening goal in added time when Layla Iskandar played Synthia Salha through on goal but Singapore’s Yasmine Zaharin made a superb last ditch challenge to deny the West Asian side.
Lebanon increased their tempo after the break with Salha going close in the 54th minute after she sliced a shot from outside the box that clipped the top of the crossbar.
The deadlock was finally broken 10 minutes later when Christy Maalouf threaded a pass to Iskandar who rounded the advancing Nur Izarida before slotting home from an acute angle.
Singapore tried but could not find a way through Lebanon’s defence with goalkeeper Sinal Breiche staying untroubled until the final whistle.
