Lebanon Challenge Cup
The Lebanon Challenge Cup is a thrilling knockout competition featuring Lebanon's top clubs vying for a coveted trophy. It stands out for its high-stakes encounters, pitting Premier League powerhouses against lower-division underdogs, often leading to dramatic upsets and memorable moments.
History and foundation
Launched in 2000 as a complement to the Lebanese FA Cup, the tournament aimed to inject fresh excitement into domestic football. Early editions were dominated by giants like Al-Ansar and Nejmeh, but underdogs shone too—Al-Istiklal from Saida reached the 2005 final, losing on penalties. The 2018/19 season saw Shabab Saida stun Al-Ahed 2:1 in the final. Reforms in 2012 introduced a group stage, enhancing competitiveness amid Lebanon's turbulent socio-political landscape.
Tournament format
Qualifying rounds involve First and Second Division sides, feeding into a 16-team main draw. Early knockout rounds are single-leg, semifinals are two-legged with away goals rule, and the final is hosted on neutral ground in Beirut or Tripoli. The competition runs from October to May, aligning with the league calendar.
Interesting facts
Known for its goal-fests, the cup averages over 2.8 goals per match, reflecting Lebanon's attacking flair. Top scorer Abbas Atiya of Al-Ansar netted 22 goals across three campaigns. Stars include Karim Attieh of Nejmeh (15 cup goals) and rising talent Hassan Maalouf from Shabab Al-Ghazieh, famed for his dribbling. Brazilian import Rodrigo Teixeira's 2022 hat-trick remains legendary.