Al Safa SC claimed a valuable 2-1 victory over Riyadi Abbasiya in the Lebanese Premier League on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Al Safa Stadium. The home side produced a disciplined and energetic performance to secure all three points, with a late penalty proving decisive in a match that ebbed and flowed throughout.

Match Overview

Coming into the fixture, both sides were eager to climb the Lebanese Premier League standings. Al Safa SC, playing in front of their home supporters, started with intent and controlled the early exchanges. Riyadi Abbasiya, known for their resilient defensive structure, sat deep and looked to hit on the counter. The match was played at a brisk pace, with the hosts enjoying the majority of possession but struggling to break down a compact visiting backline in the opening half-hour.

The deadlock was broken midway through the first half, and from that point on the game opened up. Riyadi Abbasiya responded well after the interval, equalising and setting up a tense final 30 minutes. In the end, a penalty converted by the home side sealed a hard-fought win that could prove important in the context of the season.

Key Moments

• 23rd minute – Al Safa SC 1-0: Karim Darwich opened the scoring with a composed finish inside the box after a quick passing move down the right. Darwich received the ball on the edge of the area, took a touch to set himself, and slotted low past the goalkeeper.
• 58th minute – Al Safa SC 1-1: Riyadi Abbasiya equalised against the run of play. Hassan Chaito latched onto a long clearance, held off his marker, and fired a powerful shot into the bottom corner to silence the home crowd.
• 82nd minute – Al Safa SC 2-1: Ali Hamam stepped up to convert a penalty after a foul on substitute Mohammad Zein. Hamam sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, restoring the lead and sending the home fans into celebration.

Tactical Story

Al Safa SC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the full-backs pushing high to stretch Riyadi Abbasiya’s defensive block. The midfield duo of Hassan Moghnieh and Ali Hamam controlled the tempo, recycling possession and switching play effectively. Their high pressing forced several turnovers in dangerous areas, one of which led to the opening goal.

Riyadi Abbasiya, by contrast, set up in a 4-4-2 and focused on defensive solidity and quick transitions. Their equaliser came from exactly that approach: a direct ball over the top caught the Al Safa defence square, and Chaito’s pace did the rest. For much of the second half, the visitors looked capable of snatching a draw, but a rash challenge in the box handed the initiative back to the hosts.

The introduction of Mohammad Zein around the 70th minute gave Al Safa fresh legs in attack and ultimately won the penalty. Riyadi Abbasiya pushed men forward in the closing stages, but Al Safa’s back four held firm, with goalkeeper Bilal Saleh making a crucial save in stoppage time to preserve the win.

Standout Players

Karim Darwich (Al Safa SC) was a constant threat with his movement and link-up play, and his first-half goal set the tone for the home side. Ali Hamam (Al Safa SC) showed composure from the spot and dictated play from midfield, while Hassan Chaito (Riyadi Abbasiya) was the visitors’ most dangerous outlet, taking his goal expertly and causing problems throughout.

For Riyadi Abbasiya, centre-back Walid Chehade produced several important blocks and interceptions, but the team will rue the penalty concession that ultimately cost them a point.

Season Impact

The win lifts Al Safa SC into a more comfortable position in the Lebanese Premier League table, keeping them in touch with the top half and building momentum ahead of a busy October schedule. For Riyadi Abbasiya, the defeat leaves them searching for consistency as they look to pull away from the lower reaches of the standings. The three points could prove crucial come the end of the campaign, especially in a league where margins are often tight.

Al Safa SC will next face a tough away test, while Riyadi Abbasiya return home hoping to bounce back immediately. Both sides will take lessons from this encounter: Al Safa’s ability to grind out results, and Riyadi’s need to turn promising counter-attacks into more sustained pressure.

What’s Next

Al Safa SC will look to build on this victory when they travel to face one of the league’s established sides next weekend. Riyadi Abbasiya, meanwhile, will focus on tightening their defensive discipline and converting their away performances into points. With the Lebanese Premier League season still in its early months, both clubs have plenty of time to shape their fortunes, but this match served as a reminder of how fine the