Lebanon beat Bahrain to clinch West Asian girls’ title

Lebanon were yesterday crowned champions as Bahrain missed out on the coveted title in the second West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) U18 Girls’ Championship. The Lebanese clinched the winners’ trophy after beating the host Bahrainis 3-0 in last night’s final held at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town.

Striker Layla Iskandar scored twice for the victors while midfielder Farahel Tayar supplied the other. Iskandar opened Lebanon’s account just moments before the half-time whistle with a header over Bahrain goalkeeper Zahra Nezar.

Tayar then added to their advantage in the 53rd minute after some porous Bahraini defending gave her enough space to fire home from close range. Iskandar then applied the nail in the coffin three minutes from full time. She fired in a brilliantly hit shot from several yards outside the box, sending the ball into the net over the outstretched arm of Bahrain’s Nezar.

Last night’s title-deciding match was followed by the awarding ceremony, were the top two teams were presented their trophies and medals by Bahrain Football Association (BFA) Women’s Committee Head Shaikha Hessa bint Khalid Al Khalifa, BFA Vice-President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Ali Al Buainain, BFA Secretary General Ibrahim Al Buainain, and WAFF officials.

Jordan were also awarded after they finished the tournament as the bronze-medallists. They secured their place on the podium following a 3-1 win over Palestine in the match for third place, also held yesterday