No goal on European ground has arguably made as much of an impact on Lebanese pride as was scored by the No. 19 midfielder in the northern German town of Hamburg. Rida or as they know him Roda Antar, a member of the winning combination that was last seasons all-mighty Tadamoun Tyre scored his first competition goal for his new club Hamburg SV.

The goal, one of three from his adopted German club on the night came in the 86th minute and rounded up the 3-1 victory over opponents Nuremburg. In fact, Rida was not even certain if he was to be in the starting line up as competition for places in the team has become so strong. Only on the 26th February, HSV’s website quoted Kurt Jara Hamburg’s Austrian coach as saying, “Home-Cardoso” and “Away-Antar”, referring to plans to alternate the Lebanese export with his older and more experienced Brazilian colleague.

On the night, both started the game, but only one would end it. Antar may have got a booking during the game, but he was able to redeem himself later on. As for the Brazilian, he was substituted in the 66th minute. “Roda Antar was more effective [then Argentian team-mate Romeo] in the 86th minute, as the Lebanese dribbled through the Nuremberg defense before finishing expertly from 10 yards for his first Bundesliga goal,” says the Hamburg SV website about the goal that was scored in front of the 35,000 strong crowd. In fact, more watched the goal as it was televised across the airways to Lebanese across the world.

It is usually African players who have made the most impact in recent years in Europe after so many South American imports. While Rida was born in Sierra Leone he has been one of the pride for his national team playing in the red shirt of Lebanon. Now with this goal he seems to have become Lebanon’s most valuable export and an excellent Ambassador for his home nation. His goal and his work in Germany has elevated Lebanon’s position in football to something that people that people will at least know about. There is a long way to go before we start exporting our players to Europe on a regular basis to play for top clubs as many African nations do, but it is a great start. The more we can do this, the better our national team players will get and hence our standing as a footballing nation too.

Congratulations Rida, lets hope there are many more to come!

Written by: Bassam Mahfouz