Lebanon turn the Maldives into a personal training ground

A six‑goal demolition left the island nation wondering whether they’d signed up for a friendly or a boot‑camp. Lebanon arrived with a swagger that said “we’re here to win,” and left with a statement so loud you could hear it echo across the Indian Ocean.

From the first touch, the Lebanese backline looked more like a wall than a net. Goalkeeper Hassan Kourani, usually content to collect the occasional stray ball, turned into a one‑man clean‑sheet brigade, smothering every Maldivian attempt with the poise of a seasoned pro. His calm under pressure earned him a solid 7.5.

Midfield maestro Mahmoud Al‑Haddad dictated the tempo, threading passes that made the Maldivian defence look like they were stuck in traffic. His vision and work rate were the engine behind the 6‑0 on the scoreboard, meriting an 8.2.

Up front, striker Ali Kassem was the clinical edge. He finished the rout with a brace, each strike a reminder that Lebanon’s attacking line is not just a collection of players but a well‑oiled scoring machine. Kassem’s composure and finishing earned him the highest rating of the day – an 8.7.

The Maldives, meanwhile, were left chasing shadows. Their defense, which should have been the first line of resistance, was as porous as a beach sieve. The midfield failed to link up, and the lone striker looked like he’d been handed a ball in a different sport. The best they could claim was a respectable 5.0 for goalkeeper Ahmed Rafi, who did his best with a defence that left him exposed.

Statistically, the result is a blow to the Maldives’ confidence and a boost for Lebanon’s FIFA ranking. While the exact table positions were undisclosed before the match, a six‑goal victory catapults Lebanon up the ladder, reinforcing their status as a rising Asian power. The Maldives, now staring at a goal‑difference nightmare, will need a swift tactical overhaul if they hope to climb out of the bottom rungs.

In short, Lebanon turned a friendly into a masterclass, while the Maldives provided the perfect canvas for a six‑stroke masterpiece.

Player Ratings

• Ali Kassem (Lebanon) – 8.7
• Mahmoud Al‑Haddad (Lebanon) – 8.2
• Hassan Kourani (Lebanon) – 7.5
• Ahmed Rafi (Maldives) – 5.0