Twentieth Stage: Nejmeh defeated Salam [1-0], Sagesse defeated Ahed [2-1], Tadamoun defeated Safa [2-1], Al-Ansar defeated Ahley [4-0], Ikhaa defeated Shabab Sahel [1-0], Bourj defeated Homenetmen [2-0], & Homenmen defeated Racing [3-0]..
April 7, 2002

 

Nejmeh get over Salam thanks to Hojeij.. April 7, 2002

Nejmeh defeated Salam Zgharta [1-0] in the match that took place on Sunday April 7, 2002 at 4:00 p.m., Beirut Sports City stadium. The match goal was scored by Moussa Hojeij [73']
 

Tomi inspired Sagesse to a victory against Ahed [2-1].. April 7, 2002

Sagesse defeated Al-Ahed [2-1] in the match that took place on Sunday April 7, 2002 at 4:00 p.m., Bourj Hammoud stadium. The match goals were scored by Tomi Jiacomelli for Sagesse, and Youssef Jawhari for Ahed.
 

Safa v Tadamon Tyre 1-2.. April 6, 2002

In the day’s most important game Tadamon pulled off a victory against demoralised display from a usually adept Safa side in Beirut’s Municipal Stadium [100 crowd].  It didn’t mean that Tadamon were any closer to the title, but they certainly weren’t any further away.

Nigerian Kennedy Boboi started this game as he started the last with an opener through a penalty kick [12’], claiming his 8^th league goal this season (3 from the spot).  While the visitors went into the break with a narrow lead it was destroyed when only minutes after the restart Lebanese international Salmao Salhah with a fantastic free-kick [47’].  However, the deserved winners claimed their three points later on as fellow international Nasrat al-Jamal levelled with team-mate Kennedy as their side’s joint top scorers [74’] with a brilliant strike.

Tadamon now go into their hardest run of games against Sahel, Nejmeh and Sagesse as they could make or break the mould at the top of the championship.  They go into the games with an impressive background of being undefeated in their past 17 league games, but they are yet to claim a victory against any of the sides.  Safa had their position predetermined as no result against Tadamon would have moved them from their 5^th placed spot.

Written by: Bassam Mahfouz
 

Shabab al Sahel v Ikhaa Ahley Aley 0-1.. April 6, 2002

An own goal separated these two sides as Ikhaa pulled off a surprising victory against Shabab al Sahel in a season that has been nothing less than erratic for a side that has once again shown their ability to beat even the best in this division.  Few turned up to watch the two sides as they faced in a futile battled at Beirut’s Camille Chamoun Sports City stadium.

Mohamed Kheireddine, Shabab al Sahel’s sweeper was stunned as a shot from Ali Awada ricoched off the post, hit him and then the net for the game’s deciding and only goal [37’].  Much of the reason behind Sahel’s lack of a come back was due to the excellent work of Ikhaa’s man between the posts Mazen Maadad.

It was Ikhaa’s first victory since they played Ahley Sidon in early February, breaking Sahel’s six game undefeated run.  Both face difficult games next as Ikhaa face league leaders Nejmeh and Sahel face Tadamon.

Written by: Bassam Mahfouz
 

Bourj defeated Homenetmen [2-0].. April 7, 2002

Bourj defeated Homenetmen [2-0] in the match that took place on Sunday April 7, 2002 at 4:00 p.m., Safa stadium. The match goals were scored by Darlington [pen.], & Levon [own goal].
 

Homenmen edge closer to salvation against Racing.. April 6, 2002

Homenmen’s top striker Syrian international Hassan Ibrahim netted twice in front of a small home crowd at Beirut’s Bourj Hammoud stadium as Homenmen notched both 3 goals and another 3 points in their desperately attempt to move above the relegation zone.

Hassan found the back of the net for third game in a row as he opened the score line only minutes after kick-off [5’] in the first half’s only goal.  It was then down to Hamlet Mokhtarian to double Homenmen’s lead [53’] before Ibrahim made it a resounding 3-0 victory at the opposite end of the game to his first goal [80’].  Racing who still lie in rock bottom spot even missed their golden opportunity at a consolation goal when Egyptian Ahmed Jradi missed the net from the spot.

Homenmen are slowly pulling themselves into the safety zone, but it could all depend on their next three league games – especially against Bourj and Ahed.  The season is getting tighter and tighter – but perhaps not for Racing who are due for at least one season in the 2^nd Division.

Written by: Bassam Mahfouz