The Cedars team took advantage of the rival’s opportunities and dominated the game from the first 10 minutes with the first of three goals from defenseman Merhi, valid to conclude the three periods with scores of 2-0, 3-0 and 7-0.
On the Jomtien Arena, Merhi scored again at 18 and 26 minutes to excel in a Lebanese attack that appreciated an own goal from the opponents (18′) and celebrated the contributions of Ahmad El Khatib (12′), Mahmoud Michlib (25′), Mohamad Haidar (26′), Hussein Abdullah (30′), Mohammad Al Saleh (19′), Mohamad Mechleb (36′) and Ahmed Grada (33′ and 27′).
After this performance, those led by coach Khaled Berjaui have three units in group C, the same number of China that gave up on the 1-6 date against undefeated Japan, current champion.
Precisely, the Lebanese lost 4-1 against the Asian giant in their debut on Friday and will try to achieve at least a draw against the Japanese the following Tuesday with a view to advancing to the second round.
In other results of the date, in section D three teams accumulate three units, after the smiles of Oman 5-1 over Kuwait and Palestine 3-2 against Kyrgyzstan.
The Pattaya event brought together 16 teams from the region, divided into four sections, and returned to Thailand for the second time in succession, after the suspension of the 2021 edition due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Asian tournament will give the first three places a direct ticket to the World Cup of the discipline, agreed for the United Arab Emirates next November. ASIAN CUP GROUPS 2023
-A:
1-Bahrain 2-0, six points.
2-Saudi Arabia 1-1, three pts.
3-Thailand 1-1, three pts.
4-Afghanistan 0-2, three pts.
-B:
1-Iran 2-0, six points.
2-United Arab Emirates 2-0, six pts.
3-Malaysia 0-2, three pts.
4-Uzbekistan 0-2, three pts.
-C:
1-Japan 2-0, six points.
2-China 1-1, three pts.
3-Lebanon1-1, three pts.
4-Indonesia 0-2, three pts.
-D:
1-Kuwait 1-1, three points.
2-Oman 1-1, three pts.
3-Palestine 1-1, three pts.
4-Kyrgyzstan 0-2, three pts.
rgh/here
