Lebanon Sends Tajikistan Packing with a Stunning Semifinal Upset

Every tournament throws up at least one big surprise. This year, it’s Lebanon who have grabbed the headlines with a gutsy 1-0 win over Tajikistan, the team everyone expected to cruise into the Merdeka Tournament final again. Not this time. On the humid night of September 4, with nearly 80,000 fans buzzing inside Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Lebanon played like a team possessed, making history as they clinched a spot in the final for the first time ever.

No one had pegged Rachid Nassar’s side as likely finalists. They were the underdogs up against the reigning champions—a Tajik side that had looked confident and sharp throughout their campaign in 2024. The opening minutes of the match were tense, and it was Tajikistan who found their footing first, launching a dangerous attack that ended with Lebanese defender Khalil Khamis putting his body on the line to make an early block. But Lebanon shook off the nerves in less than 15 minutes and quickly flipped the script.

The game’s only goal came in the 13th minute and it wasn’t flashy, but it was effective. Rabih Ataya whipped in a wicked corner that pinballed over the defenders, and midfielder Jihad Ayoub lost his marker to head the ball home. That single moment of awareness and bravery—Ayoub had to fight off two defenders in the air—became the difference in a tight match defined by discipline and hard running rather than showy tricks.

Big Moments Shape a Nail-Biter in Kuala Lumpur

Despite trailing, Tajikistan refused to panic. The defending champions pushed hard, looking for an equalizer, but Lebanon’s backline, marshaled by captain Kassem El Zein, stood tall. El Zein came inches away from doubling Lebanon’s lead in the 36th minute, but his bullet header sailed just over the bar. That near miss only seemed to spur Tajikistan on. The second half saw wave after wave of pressure from the Central Asian side, forcing Lebanese goalkeeper Mehdi Khalil into a series of commanding claims and quick clearances.

Every Lebanese counterattack looked dangerous, though. With midfielder Hilal El Helwe running box-to-box and wingers Nader Matar and Mohammad Kdouh stretching play, Lebanon refused to simply park the bus. In the dying minutes, substitute Gabriel Bitar nearly put the result beyond doubt when he let fly from outside the box in the 89th minute, only for Tajikistan’s keeper to tip the ball around the post.

This win didn’t just send Lebanon to the final—it sent shockwaves through the tournament. It’s a win that will be remembered by Lebanese fans for years, especially as their team now stands within 90 minutes of outright glory. For coach Rachid Nassar, who’s worked tirelessly to bring discipline and heart to this squad, the job’s not done yet. They’ll now prepare to face either Malaysia or the Philippines in a final that’s suddenly wide open.

No one sees Lebanon as the underdog anymore. If their performance against Tajikistan is anything to go by, they’re headed into the final full of belief and ready to seize their chance at the trophy.