August 30, 1998:

M. Wahran of Algeria won the 9th. Arab Cup Winners' Cup for the 2nd year in a row after defeating Al-Jaish of Syria ( 2-1) in the final match that took place on August 30, 1998 at Beirut Municipality Stadium at 8:30 p.m. The original time ended (1-1), Al-Jaish goal scored at the 10^th minute by M. Khalaf, and m. Wahran equalized on the 53^rd minute by K. Nasser, on the 5^th minute of the first extra time M. Wahran's player K. Nasser performed a free kick successfully into Al-Jaish net. M. Wahran won by the Golden Goal (2-1).

August 27, 1998:

Nejmeh lost to Al-Jaish of Syria (1-3) in the second semifinal match of the 9th. Arab Cup Winners' Cup Chmapionship. Below are the details of the match:

Date: August 27, 1998

Place: Beirut Sports City Stadium

Nejmeh Squad: W. Fattal (GK), H. Daher, M. Karneeb, A. Shahrour, S. Oko, M. Hojeij, H. Nasser, M. Aboueleoua, A. Sanamian, W. Nazha, S. Abbas

Refree: M. Kazzaz (Morocco).

On the 15th. minute: M. Hojeij passed the ball to S. Abbas who involved into Al-Jaish area and shot a strong low ball that tricked M. Beiruti (GK of Al-Jaish) and went into the net. Nejmeh advanced (1-0).

On the 33th. minute: A. Azzam involved into Nejmeh area from the right wing side and passed a high ball to S. Baiazeed who hit the ball with his head, it hit the post then the back of W. fattal into the net. AL-Jaish equalized (1-1).

On the 54th. minute: A. Azzam involved into Nejmeh area from the right wing side, and passed a low ball that was continued by M. Mostafa into the net. Al-Jaish advanced (2-1).

On the 69th. minute: N. Mostafa involved into Nejmeh area, and hit a strong ball from outside the penalty area. Al-Jasih advanced (3-1).

Match Analysis:

Nejmeh got out of the tournament after they making a good achievement for Lebanon, being the first team to reach the semifinals of an arabic cup.

Concerning the match, It was obvious yesterday that Nejmeh players were playing under pressure, this has negatively affected their play where alot of the passes were cleared by Al-Jaish players. In addition, the abscence of R. Aboulnasser (Injured) was still affecting Nejmeh midfield that was weak facing Al-Jaish players. However, Nejmeh never gave up even after the 3rd. goal, they attacked and attacked but they were faced by both the bad luck, and the strong line formed by Al-Jaish defence and its goal keeper until Nejmeh trials were only stopped by the refree whislte. As for Al-Jaish, they played an excellent match and day after the other S. Baiazeed is proving himself as one of the best attacking players in the Arab World. He irritated  Nejmeh defenders alot with his moves together with A. Azzam (The forwarding defender of Al-Jaish) who made alot of crucial passes to his teammates. In general, Nejmeh failed to reach the final, but on the other hand, he succeeded on many levels: First, the international experience that Nejmeh players that is very important for Nejmeh especially for the upcoming events ( for Nejmeh in the Asian Cups, and for Nejmeh international players in the upcoming Arab Cup for Lebanon Natrional Team), Second, Nejmeh by the testimony of many Arab Football experts succeeded in organizing the tournament and proving that Lebanon has regained its health, and is now able to host any major international event. Last but not least, Nejmeh succeeded in placing its name among the major Arab teams especially with the huge number of faithful fans who attended his game, and the wonderful style of Nejmeh and the strong will of his players who made alot of efforts and proved that they never give up but they keep on fighting till the end.

On the other semifinal match: M. Wahran of Algeria defeated Al-Kadesiah of Kuwait (2-1) with the second goal scored near the end of the first extra time ( the 105th. minute) as the Golden Goal by Z. S. Ahmad.

M. Wahran has the chance to win the title for the second year in a row, if he could defeat Al-Jaish in the final match that will take place on next Sunday August 30, 1998 at 8:30 p.m at Beirut Municipality Stadium.

August 26, 1998:

AL-Jaish of Syria tied with M. Wahran of Algeria in the match that took place on August 26, 1998 at 8:30 p.m at Beirut Municipality Stadium. Therefore, AL-Jaish stayed as the top of the second group, and M. Wahran as the second team. Consequently both teams qualified to the semifinals. Below are the new standings of the second group as well as the schedule of the semifinal matches that will take place tomorrow.

August 25, 1998:

Nejmeh tied with Al-Kadesiah of Kuwait (3-3), and thus qualified to the semifinals of The Arab Cup Winners' Cup Championship as the second team of the 1st. group. Below are the details of the match:

Date: August 25, 1998.

Stadium: Beirut Sports' City.

Nejmeh Squad: W. Fattal (GK), H. Daher, A. Shahrour, M. Karneeb, M. Aboueleoua, H. Nasser, M. Hojeij (J. Al-Hajj), S. Oko, A. Sanamian (F. Natour), B. Fleifel (Z. Saad), S. Abbas.

Refree: H. Ali (Egypt).

On the 12th. minute: S. Abbas passed the ball to A. Sanamian who entered A-Kadesiah penalty area from the left wing side and hit a low ball to the right side of Al-Kadesiah goal keeper into the net. Nejmeh advanced (1-0).

On the 45th.minute: A. Al-Hessaoui received the ball from an Al-Kadesiah player inside Nejmeh penalty area and hit it into the net. Al-kadesiah equalized (1-1).

On the 72th. minute: an Al-Kadesiah player performed a corner kick that reaches the head of N. Al-Khalidi who hit it into the net. Al-Kadesiah advanced (2-1).

On the 81th. minute: Al-Kadesiah players performed a fast counter-attack and an Al-kadesiah player hit the ball into Nejmeh's  net. Al-Kadesiah advanced (3-1).

On the 88th. minute: S. Abbas crossed the ball into Al-Kadesiah penalty area to A. Shahrour who hit it into the net. Nejmeh reduced the score (2-3).

On the 89th. minute: A. Shahrour passed a high ball into Al-Kadesiah penalty area. It made some confusion, until A. Sanamian got the ball and hit it into the net in front of 6 amazed Al-Kadesiah players. Nejmeh equalized (3-3).

Watch A. Sanamian 1st goal.

Watch A. Sanamian 2nd. goal

Regardless of any comments and analysis to say about Nejmeh match, the most important event of this match was the break through of Nejmeh represented by the strong come back to the match with a 2-goal deficit and with only 9 minutes to the end of the match. This event seems as wonderful as a win by itself, and probably more important since Nejmeh could re-enter the semifinals as its loss would mean the qualification of Al-Nasser of Lybia who has just defeated Al-Mawardah (6-1) before Nejmeh match. Nejmeh players entered the match yesterday full of tensions after knowing Al-Nasser's result and realizing that they shouldn't lose to qualify to the semifinals. However, the opponent was very difficult, and Nejmeh players had to show all their Football skills to stay in the match as well as their strong will to achieve a come back to the match and the tournament. Everybody had witnessed this achievement whether the 26,000th. Nejmeh fans who came to support their beloved team, or the 1,000,000's of TV spectators in Lebanon, the Arab World, & the rest of the world who watched the match live on Future Television.

Talking about the technical side of the match: Nejmeh dominated the first half after knowing that in order to achieve at least a tie they have to score goals and try to win. This was what happened on the 12th. minute with A. Sanamian goal. Al-Kadesiah first goal was near the end of the first half, and after a mistake of M. Aboueleou who missed the ball. In the second half, Nejmeh continued their attacks, but they lacked the finishing skills of the suspended player W. Nazha who was suspended for one match after receiving 2 yellow cards in the 2 previous matches. Meanwhile, Al-Kadesiah scored 2 goals with the amazement of everybody in the stadium. The next few minutes to come were too difficult, Nejmeh players were under a shock and the teams' lines were unattached , and this might have caused problems with Al-Kadesiah counter-attacks. The first sign of a potential come back appeared with A. Shahrour goal who reduced the score. Then, Nejmeh players knew that it is not an impossible task with one goal difference. In the next minute, Nejmeh players made the miracle and scored the third goal by A. Sanamian, this was followed by a state of fainting at many Nejmeh fans who weren't believing what was happening, then R. Makhloufi made a defensive substitution and entered F. Natour instead of A. Sanamian, and the refree ended the match with his whistle. Nejmeh to the semifinals and another achievement for Nejmeh and Lebanon for the first time....

Nejmeh will face the first team of G2 tomorrow ( Thursday August 27, 1998 ) At Beirut Sports City Stadium at 8:30 p.m. The opponent will be known after the end of Today's match between M. Wahran vs. Al- Jaish. ( Below are the alternatives for the second group).

In the other matches: Al-Nasser of Lybia defeated Al-Mawardah of Sudan (6-1), and was waiting the loss of Nejmeh to qualify to the semifinals as the second team of G1. Before that, on August 24, 1998, M. Wahran defeated Al- Tai'i of Saudi Arabia (4-2), and Al-Jaish tied with Al-Wasel of UAE (1-1).

The New Standings Of Both Groups

M. Wahran defeates Al-Jaish >>>>>> M. Wahran & Al-Wasel qualify as the first and the second teams of G2.

Al-Jaish defeates M. Wahran >>>>>> Al-Jaish qualify & Al-Wasel as the first and the second teams of G2.

August 23, 1998:

Nejmeh tied with Al-Nasser of Lybia (1-1) in its second match in the 9th. Arab Cup Winners' Cup.

Below are the details of the match:

Date: Sunday August 23, 1998

Stadium: Beirut Sports City

Nejmeh Squad: W. Fattal (GK), H. Daher, M. Halaweh, A. Shahrour, M. Hojeij, M. Hejazi (W. Adballah), H. Nasser ( M. Aboueleoua), S. Oko, A. Sanamian, W. Nazha, M. Safa (S. Abbas).

Refree: M. Kazaz ( Morocco).

On the 86th. minute: A. Sanamian hit the ball in front of AL-Nasser goal, but it went too slow, and Al-Nasser goal keeper could save it.

Goals:

On the 20th. minute: T. Youssef performed a free kick in front of Nejmeh penalty area, it hit the Upper bar of Nejmeh goal, then it bounced to M. Mohammad who continued the ball with a header into the net. Al-Nasser advanced (1-0).

On the 89th. minute: A. Shahrour passed a high ball to W. Nazha who hit with his head far from the reach of Al-Nasser goal keeper. Nejmeh equalized (1-1).

In the other matches:

August 22, 1998:

Al-Tai'i of Saudi Arabia defeated Al-Wasel of UAE (1-0) while the match between Al-Jaish (Syria) and M. Wahran (Algeria) was postponed till next Wednesday due to health problems that occured to most of The Algerian team.

August 21, 1998:

Al-Kadesiah (Kuwait) defeated Al-Nasser (Lybia) (2-1) in the match that took place at Beirut Municipality Stadium on 8:30 p.m. Below is the new standings of Group#1

August 20, 1998:

Al-Wasel ( UAE) defeated M. Wahran (Algeria) (2-1), and Al-Jaish (Syria) defeated Al-Tai'i (Saudi Arabia) in the matches that took place today on Beirut Municipality Stadium on 6:00 p.m and 8:30 p.m (BT) respectively. The standings of the 2 groups became as follows:

August 19, 1998:

Nejmeh defeated Al-Mawardah of Sudan (2-1) in the opening match of the 9th. Arab Cup Winners' Cup finals.

Below are the details of the match:

Date: August 19, 1998

Place: Beirut Sports City Stadium

Nejmeh Squad: W. Fattal (GK), H. Daher, A. Shahrour, M. Halaweh, S. Oko, R. Aboulnasser (M. Hojeij), H. Nasser, J. Al-Hajj (M. Hejazi), A. Sanamian, S. Abbas (M. Safa), W. Nazha.

Expulsion: A. Teih ( AL-Mawardah).

Goals:

On the 45th. minute: A. Sanamian receives a pass from S. Abbas, then involves into Al-Mawardah's area from the left wing side, and passes the ball to W. Nazha who dived into the air and hit it with his head into the net. nejmeh advanced (1-0).

On the 61th. minute: A free kick for Al-Mawardah from the left wing side, it reaches the head of A. Teih who hit it into the net. Al-Mawardah equalized (1-1).

On the 89th. minute: A. Shahrour takes the ball from his defense area, and rush into Al-Mawardah area from midfield, and passes a high ball to W. Nazha  who jumps into the air and hit it strongly with his head into the net. Nejmeh Advanced (2-1).

Best Chances:

On the 86th. minute: A. Sanamian involves from the left wing side into Al-Mawardah's penalty area, and passes the ball to W. Nazha who hit it very high in front of the goal.

Match Analysis:

Nejmeh played yesterday a good match characterized by the good planning of attacks and a strong defense that is backed up by a strong goal keeper W. fattal who is proving himself day after the other. As for midfield, it was affected by the early injury of R. Aboulnasser who was replaced in the 20th. minute by M. Hojeij. Meanwhile, H. Nasser played one of his best matches, and implemented very well both his defending and attacking role. As for the foreign players, both  new players ( S. Oko, and S. Abbas) proved that they have alot of skills to show, but  still lack the right harmony with their teammates. As for A. Sanamian, it was the last minute change when Captain R. Makhloufi decided to take him as the 3rd. foreign player, then this proved to be the right decision as A. Sanamian played a good match, passed the balls to his teammates, caused the first goal with his critical pass to W. Nazha, and irritated Al-Mawardah's defense very much with his attacks. Furthermore, Nejmeh performance was affected alot by the tough play from Al-Mawardah players that is represented by strong clearance of the balls, and strong headers. After all it was a good experience for Nejmeh facing a new team and new Football strategies.

August 18, 1998:

Nejmeh is to face Al-Mawardah of Sudan in the opening match of The 9th. Arab Cup Winners' Cup Championship that is hosted by Nejmeh Sporting Club in Beirut during August (19-30), 1998. The Championship includes 8 teams divided on 2 groups: the first group includes: Nejmeh (Lebanon), Al-Mawardah (Sudan), Al-Nasser (Lybia), Al-Kadesiah (Kuwait), and the second group includes: Mawloudiat Wahran (Algeria), Al-Tai'i (Saudi Arabia), Al-Wasel ( UAE), Al-Jaish (Syria).

Nejmeh completed its preparations for the finals, and all the players have joined the team including all foreign, injured, and suspended players. As for foreign players, the list has become complete with Saheb Abbas ( Iraq), Sunday Oko (Nigeria), and Edimola ( Nigeria) as well as Maher Bayrakdar ( Syria), and Armen Sanamian (Armenia). However, due to the Arabic Federation requirements of only 3 foreign players on the team listings for the tournament, Nejmeh coach Rasheed Makhloufi decided to choose the 3 new players on the team list  (S. Oko, Edimola, & S. Abbas). This choice reveals the desire of Nejmeh coach to strengthen Nejmeh's defense and midfield lines. Meanwhile, Moussa Hojeij proved that he regained  his full fitness to play on matches after he had an injury that prevented  him from playing in the most  of ViceroyCup. As for suspended players, A. Shahrour already ended his suspension period last week  and played with Nejmeh in the Viceroy final match; as for Raed Aboulnasser, who was suspended by the Lebanese federation for a period of 2 months that ends on October 8, 1998, he was allowed by the Lebanese federation to play with Nejmeh only on  the Arab Cup Winners' Cup finals.

On this occasion, all the Lebanese Fans, and especially Nejmeh fans are requested to go to Beirut Sports' City stadium on next Wednesday August 19, 1998 at 8:30 p.m to support Nejmeh in this tournament.

August 12, 1998:   Nejmeh won ViceroyCup98 after defeating Safa ( 4-3) on penalty kicks.

Nejmeh won Viceroy Cup98 after defeating Safa ( 4-3) on penalty kicks. The original and the extra time ended (1-1). Below are the details of the match:

Date: Wednesday August 12, 1998 at 8:45 p.m ( BT).

Place: Beirut Sports' City Stadium

Nejmeh squad:

W. Fattal ( GK), H. Daher, M. Karneeb ( A. Shahrour), M. Halaweh, W. Abdallah ( M. Hojeij) , M. Aboueleoua, J. Al-Hajj, H. Nasser, B. Fleifel ( Z. Saad), A. Sanamian, W. Nazha.

Safa squad:

B. Hashem, H. Hadi, D. Al-Aouar, H. Kaddah, N. Sheikho, N. Al-Jurdi, A. Wassef, A. Al-Naamani, W. Al-Miri ( M. Hassan), W. Dahrouj ( Y. Mohammad), A. Al-Hommsi ( A. Kassas).

Bookings:

M. Aboueleoua, H. Nasser ( Nejmeh).

N. Sheikho, D. Al-Aouar, H. Hadi, A. Al-Hommsi, A. Al-Naamani. ( Safa).

Expulsion:

M. Hassan ( Safa).

Referees:

O. Al-Shami (Chief Referee)

Y. Yazbeck ( Assistant)

M. A. Saad ( Assistant).

Goals:

On the 29th. minute: A. Al-Hommsi passes a front ball to A. Al-Naamani who entered Nejmeh's area from the right wing side and passed a high ball that was continued by the head of W. Al-Miri into W. Fattal's net. Safa advanced (1-0).

On the 85th. minute: W. Nazha entered Safa's area from the left wing side and passed a high ball above B. Hashem that was continued by the head of A. Sanamian. Nejmeh equalized (1-1).

Best chances:

On the 35th. minute: B. Fleifel clashed with B. Hashem and a Safa player and could get the ball and stay alone with the goal from the right wing area, but he hit the ball near the left post of Safa and it went outside.

On the 42th. minute: J. Al-Hajj involved into Safa's area and when arrived  near the penalty area he hit a strong low kick, but it went slightly near the right post of Safa's goal.

On the 52th. minute: M. Hojeij involved into Safa's area and hit a strong kick but it went directly to B. Hashem ( GK of Safa) who hit the ball with both hands into outside.

On the 65th. minute: A. Al-Naamani got the ball and hit it strongly but it was saved by W. fattal, then it bounced again to Al-Naamani who hit it strongly from about 2 meters far from the goal. However, W. Fattal made the save of the match and transformed the ball into the corner.

Penalty kicks

W. Fattal saving the last Safa's penalty kick.

Nejmeh won Viceroy Cup for the 2nd. time in 3 finals ( a tournament record),  Nejmeh won the first Cup - 1996 after defeating Al-Ansar ( 1-0),  Al-Ansar won the second cup -1997 after defeating Nejmeh ( 2-0), and this is the third final.

Performance wise, Nejmeh performance was not as good as last Saturday's  against Al-Ansar. Many factors contributed to this. First, Nejmeh played  against Al-Ansar for 120 minute as well as stressful penalty kicks on last Saturday while Safa played a 90 minute game against Tadamoun Sour on the other semi-final. Second, R. Aboulnasser, the captain of Nejmeh and one of the best players in Nejmeh and Lebanon, who plays in the Defending midfield position was suspended by the Lebanese Federation from playing for 2 months ( starting 8/8/98) after pushing the referee (O. Al-Shami) in last Saturday match against Al-Ansar. Aboulnasser's absence was very critical and had negatively affected the harmony of Nejmeh midfield. Third, since it was the first local match to be played on Beirut Sports' City stadium after its reconstruction, both teams were unfamiliar with the new stadium, this had negatively affected their performance especially the presence of a large crowd (35,000 people). Due to all the previous reasons, Nejmeh played one of their worse matches on the technical level, this was substituted by the wide experience of Nejmeh's coach ( R. Makhloufi) who made the appropriate substitutions that enhanced Nejmeh's position in the match, and the strong will to win at Nejmeh players   especially when they equalized the score just 5 minutes before the end of the match, and during the penalty kicks.

As for Safa, this team has proved to be enhancing on all the levels. This has become apparent yesterday and throughout the previous matches of ViceroyCup. On many occasions of yesterday match, Safa team dominated Nejmeh with their strong will, and good planning for attacks, and good clearence of the balls. One major factor caused Safa performance to weaken during the second half, it was  the unexpected substitutions made by Safa's coach and former player ( G. AbouDiab) who substituted Safa's forward players (W. Dahrouj, and A. Al-Hommsi) with 2 defending midfield players at the beginning of the second half, this weakened Safa's attacking power. However, this doesn't ignore the positive changes triggered by G. AbouDiab into Safa performance throughout ViceroyCup as well as   giving the opportunity to Young players ( A.Wassef, M. Kassass, A. Kassass, etc..).

The last but not least was the wonderful atmosphere of yesterday's match represented by the huge crowd. Yesterday, about 35,000 people attended the match of which 33,000 were Nejmeh fans. This showed the size of Nejmeh fans on the Lebanese level, and this feels optimistic about the popular attendance on the next event Nejmeh has to play in.. We mean the Arab Cup Winners' Cup finals that will start on next Wednesday August 19, 1998 on Beirut Sports' City stadium with the opening match between Nejmeh and Al-Mawardah of Sudan.

August 9, 1998:  

Safa defeated Tadamoun Sour ( 2-0) in the match that took place on Sunday August 9,1998 at Bourj Hammoud stadium. The 2 goals were both scored in the first half by W. Dahrouj, and A. Al-Naamani. As a result, Nejmeh will face Safa on next Wednesday August 12, 1998 at Beirut Sports' City stadium at 8:30 p.m ( BT).

August 8, 1998:   Nejmeh defeated Al-Ansar ( 6-5) on penalty kicks

Nejmeh could qualify to the final match of the 3rd. Viceroy Cup-1998 for The Elite for the 3rd. consecutive year ( record) after eliminating Al-Ansar on penalty kicks ( 6-5). The original and the extended time ended (1-1). Below are the details of the match:

Date:  Saturday August 8, 1998 at 4:45 p.m ( BT).

Place: Bourj Hammoud Stadium

Audience: 10,000 people.

Nejmeh squad:

W. Fattal ( GK), H. Daher, M. Karneeb, M. Halaweh, R. Aboulnasser, J. Al-Hajj ( M. Hejazi), W. Abdallah ( M. Aboueleoua), H. Nasser, B. Fleifel ( Z. Saad), W. Nazha, A. Sanamian.

Al-Ansar squad:

A. Fakih ( GK) ( S. Kassem), K. Karabetian, R. Esber, S. Hamzeh, M. Hussein, F. Hallak, N. Al-Husseiny ( A. Saksouk), J. Taha, M. Hassoun ( L. Hussein), P. Prospar, N. Jokhadar.

Bookings:

H. Daher, A. Sanamian, W. Nazha. ( for Nejmeh).

A. Fakih, N. Jokhadar ( for Al-Ansar)

Goals:

On the 12th. minute: P. Prospar rushed into the right wing area and passed the ball to N. Jokhadar who was following into the penalty area and hit the ball to the left side of W. Fattal who could do nothing to it. Al-Ansar advances (1-0).

On the 20th. minute: J. Al-Hajj rushed into the penalty area to get the ball, but was illegally obstructed by A. Fakih, a penalty kick was awarded to Nejmeh. A . Sanamian performed the penalty successfully to the upper left side of A. Fakih who could do nothing about it. Nejmeh equalizes ( 1-1).

Best Chances:

On the 36th. minute: W. Nazha dribbled an Ansar defender and went into the penalty area, and hit a strong low kick, but it was skillfully saved by A. Fakih to the corner.

On the 105th. minute: W. Nazha rushed into Al-Ansar area and passed a reverse ball to Z. Saad who hit a slight ball above A. Fakih, but this latter made a good save and put the ball into the corner.

Penalty Kicks:

M. Aboueleoua performing successfully the last penalty kick

Nejmeh played one of their best matches in months, and proved to be enhancing on both the technical and the physical levels. Nejmeh players were characterized yesterday by good positioning on the field, good physical fitness that enabled them to play 120 minute and surpass Al-Ansar during the extended time. As for the technical level, R. Makhloufi's plan was to use inside passes to get through Al-Ansar defense. This plan proved successful on many occasions ( the penalty awarded to Nejmeh, the many chances that occurred to Nejmeh and were either hit outside the goal or saved by the good goal keeper of Al-Ansar A. Fakih. As for the physical level, Nejmeh showed an advanced physical fitness that enabled them to endure the 120 minute of the match and the hot climate of August ( 36c). As for Nejmeh players, W. Fattal played a good match and faced some difficulties to catch the long balls, then he could help it, and played a major part in the penalty kicks when he saved 4 penalty kicks ( especially the first 2), and thus gave his teammates more confidence, Nejmeh defense was in excellent shape: M. Karneeb succeeded in filling the gap of A. Shahrour, and did no mistakes. H. Daher was the man of the match by showing the best performance and giving his teammates more confidence, M. Halaweh did a good job facing Al-Ansar's strong players. R. Aboulnasser did his job and stopped many passes in the midfield area. J. Al-Hajj reminded Nejmeh fans of his previous skills through leading Nejmeh attacks and showed a good Harmony with W. Nazha, then he was replaced during the extended time by M. Hejazi who tried as much as possible to make Nejmeh dominate the game and stop Al-Ansar's attacks. H Nasser played very well and saved no efforts in the match. W. Abdallah did his job and was substituted in the second half by M. Aboueleoua who played also very well and performed successfully the last penalty kick that gave Nejmeh the victory. B. Fleifel tried to irritate Al-Ansar defense as much as possible and made some dangerous head shots, and was replaced by the young player Z. Saad who saved no efforts and irritate Al-Ansar's defense and hit a dangerous ball that was saved by A. Fakih. W. Nazha showed his superiority with his dangerous penetration into Al-Ansar's area, and hit many balls and irritated Al-Ansar's defense as much as possible. Last but not least, A. Sanamian, this player  fulfilled his job to the maximum, saved no efforts, made some dangerous passes, and scored a wonderful goal from a penalty kick, and another one during the penalty kicks. Yesterday performance shows that Nejmeh are ready to play in the Arab Cup Winners' Cup that will start on August19, 1998 in Beirut. Meanwhile, Nejmeh played without 2 of their best players: A. Shahrour ( suspended for 2 matches ), and M. Hojeij ( Injured). In addition, 3 foreign players are to join Nejmeh in the Cup Winners' Cup finals: S. Abbas ( Iraqi), and 2 African players.

As for Al-Ansar, It was obvious that they still lack alot on the physical fitness level. this became clear during the extended time. As for Al-Ansar players, the list was complete and the foreign players for the next season became apparent regardless of any last-minute-change, and the players are: P. Prospar ( Trinidad & Tobago), L. Hussein ( Iraq), F. Jamal and A. Jradeh( Egypt), and N. Jokhadar ( Syria).

Yesterday, it was apparent that the attacking duo of Al-Ansar ( Prospar- Jokhadar) still lacks some more Harmony, L. Hussein was out of shape, and M. Hassoun still looking for its best performance that enabled him to receive the MVP award of Last year's tournament. Al-Ansar's defense was generally good with some occasional irritation caused to them by Nejmeh attacks. J. Taha played a good match and lead his team in many attacks.

All in all, Viceroy Cup is a good indicator for both Nejmeh and Al-Ansar for their levels and the degree of their preparations for next occasions to come.

Nejmeh will face the winner of Safa vs. Tadamoun Sour's match that will take place on Sunday August 9, 1998 at 4:45p.m ( BT) on Bourj Hammoud Stadium.

The  final  match is to take place on  next Wednesday  August 12,   1998 either   on Bourj Hammoud stadium at 4:30 p.m   ( BT),   or on Beirut Sports' City stadium at 8:30 p.m (BT). The location of the match is to be decided within the next 72 hours.

August 4, 1998:

Al-Ansar defeated Al-Ahed ( 2-0) in the match that took place at Burj Hammoud stadium on Tuesday August 4, 1998. The 2 goals were scored by Al-Ansar's striker Peter Prospar. As a result of this win, Al-Ansar stayed in the second place of the second group behind Tadamoun Sour. Consequently, an early derby match is to take place on next Saturday August 8, 1998 at Burj Hammoud stadium at 4:45 p.m ( BT ) between Nejmeh and Al-Ansar. In the other semifinal match, Tadamoun Sour is to face Safa on next Sunday August 9, 1998.

Below the new rankings of the second group: