Friday, November 15, 2013

Saad Cap Tied in Lebanon AFC Asian Cup Draw

Soony Saad made his first appearance for Lebanon in an official FIFA competition today in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier. The Sporting KC forward started and played 74 minutes as Lebanon played to a 0-0 draw with Kuwait in Group B. The appearance cap-ties Saad to Lebanon after he represented the United States at the youth level.
The draw leaves Lebanon in 3rd place on 5 points in their four team group with two match days left. The top two in each group automatically qualifies for the tournament, with the best third place team also qualifying. Lebanon currently holds that "best 3rd place" spot as they currently sit on 6 points.
Lebanon has one more qualifier in this round of games, on the 19th at home against group leaders Iran. A loss in that game could be a big blow for Lebanon as second place Kuwait plays Thailand, who has yet to win a game in the group. A draw wouldn't be the end of the world, but would force Lebanon to win the final match day against Thailand, while Kuwait plays Iran, and hope to make up goal difference. A win would likely put Lebanon in a very good position to qualify considering their final match day opponent.

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