November 2019 was one of the best
months in the history of Lebanese
football. It started with Beirut’s Al
AhedliftingtheAFCCup,Asia’s
second-tier club competition reserved
for “developing nations.” There was
some rare optimism and celebration
of a first international trophy at club or
country level.
“It should be noted that Ahed’s
manager Bassem Marmar is a
Lebanese coach,” a delighted
statement from the federation said.
“When other clubs search for foreign
coaches, Ahed kept faith in their coach
[and] have found their very own Pep
Guardiola but with the mindset of
Helenio Herrera. This win is for Ahed
and Lebanon as a whole, a win we
must capitalise and build on to
upgrade the game in Lebanon.”
These were heady words but
reflected the feeling, and success at
club level seemed to be helping thewitness
LEBANONPlaying through a crisis
Lebanese football has suffered setback
after setback, but it won’t be held back