AFC Asian Cup 2023: Qatar vs Lebanon: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Qatar are the defending champions of the AFC Asian Cup, having won it in 2019.

Asia’s premier football championship, the AFC Asian Cup 2023 will unveil its 18th edition come January 12 in Qatar. The tournament opener will witness the home side and Group A favourites Qatar take on Lebanon at iconic Lusail Stadium.

It is going to be a mouth-watering clash as Qatar are not just the home side, but also the defending champions of the AFC Asian Cup after winning the previous edition in 2019. Both teams were a part of the same group in the previous edition as well where Qatar emerged victorious.

Kick Off

Friday, 12 January 2024 at 4:00 PM GMT

Friday, 12 January 2024 at 9:30 PM IST

Form

Qatar (in all competitions): L-W-W-W-L

Lebanon (in all competitions): L-W-D-D-L

Players to watch

Almoez Ali 

Almoez Ali is the biggest threat for any team playing against Qatar. The striker has been in red hot form in the last couple of months and will look to continue the same at the AFC Asian Cup 2023. He is Qatar’s leading goal-scorer with 50 goals to his name. Moreover, he also won the Golden Boot at the AFC Asian Cup 2019 for scoring nine goals for his side. 

Hassan Maatouk

Hassan Maatouk is Lebanon’s main man and will have a very crucial role to play in what will possibly be his last AFC Asian Cup campaign. Maatouk has always led his side from the front and is also their top-scorer with 23 goals to his name. He will look to try and get the best out of his team and surprise everyone.

Match Facts

• Qatar’s Almoez Ali has scored eight goals in the last four games, including two hat-tricks.
• The last time these two sides played each other, Qatar emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.
• Lebanon have never managed to defeat Qatar.

Injury and Team News

Both teams are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection for the tournament opener.

Head-to-head

Total matches – 13

Qatar wins – 10

Lebanon wins – 0

Draws – 3

Predicted Line-up

Qatar 

Saad Al-Sheeb (GK), Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Lucas Mendes, Homam Ahmed, Abdulaziz Hatem, Al Ahraq, Hassan Al Haydos; Ismaeel Mohammad, Akram Afif, Almoez Ali

Lebanon

Mehdi Khalil (GK), Hussein Zein, Walid Shour, Maher Sabra, Kassem El Zein, Hasan Srour, Mohamad Haidar, Hassan Maatouk, Ali Al Haj, Daniel Lajud, Hilal El-Helwe

Match prediction for Qatar vs Lebanon

Qatar come into the tournament as title favourites. They are the home side and also the defending champions. They will do everything in their power to defend their crown at home. However, Lebanon are a hard-working unit and can present a tough fight. 

Prediction: Qatar 2-0 Lebanon

Telecast for Qatar vs Lebanon

India – Sports 18, Jio Cinema

Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Oman – BeinSports, Alkass

United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands – Triller TV

Australia – Network 10

AFC Asian Cup 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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