Lebanon Cup
The Lebanon Cup is Lebanon's premier knockout football competition, run by the Lebanese Football Association. It pits top clubs against underdogs in a high-stakes battle for glory, often producing thrilling upsets and showcasing the competitive depth of Lebanese soccer.
History and foundation
Launched in 1933, it's one of the Middle East's oldest cups. Early dominance by Al-Ansar and Nejmeh gave way to post-civil war (1975–1990) revivals. Highlights include Salam Zgharta's 2018 shock win and Fadel Antar's 2005 final hat-trick. The tournament mirrors Lebanon's turbulent history, with multiple restarts amid conflicts.
Tournament format
Single-elimination format with 32–48 teams from Premier League to amateurs. Rounds from round of 16 to quarterfinals are one-off ties; semis and final on neutral grounds. Runs October to May, aligning with the league season.
Interesting facts
Average goals per match hover at 2.5, spiking to over 3 in cup clashes. Top scorers: Hassan 'Mabrouk' Adamo (25+ goals) and Elias Mouawad. Stars like Sabri Sharaf (Al-Ahed captain), sniper Raid Nazih, and Nejmeh legend Abbas Ataya shine. It nurtures talents from clubs like Bourj El Bramjeh.