Nejmeh (Lebanon’s champions) lost its first match in the qualifications of group four of the Arab club’s championship - which is hosted by Jordan’s Capital Amman till next Sunday – against the Syrian Army 0-2 (The first half 0-1) in the match, which was played yesterday on King Abdallah the Second’s Stadium in Kuwaisima.

The goals were scored by Ahmed Al Umair (44^th minute) and Ahmed Azzam (61^st minute).

The Army’s players were the best in the 1^st half but they lacked the final touch to score. But when the team’s coach made Radwan Al Abrash play on the right wing, the team began to play better then before and Radwan Al Abrash assisted both goals.

On the second half - after the team took the 1-0 lead at the end of the first half – Nejmeh’s players pressed to get the equalizer but unfortunately Ahmed Azzam secured the win for the Syrian team.

In the other match Al Faisaly (Jordan) won 3-0 over Al Aqsa (Palestine).

Goal scorers: Kusai Abu Alya 11’, Khaled Sa’ed 31’ and Hadi Maharma 62’.

The second round will be played tomorrow where Al Faisaly will play against the Army and Nejmeh against Al Aqsa. more

May 22, 2003