The Lebanese national team exited the Asian Cup competitions after losing to Tajikistan 2-1 on Monday evening in the third round of the first group.

The Lebanese national team opened the match's goals in the 47th minute through Basil Jradi, and the Tajik national team responded with two goals scored by Parvizjon Omarbayev (80th minute) and Nuraldin Hamrukolov (90th + 2).

The Lebanese team is at the bottom of the group with one point, while Tajikistan has qualified for the final eight after finishing as runner-up in the group with 4 points.

The group includes the Qatar national team, which clinched its qualification with 9 points after defeating China (two points) today as well.

Exciting run

The first half was exciting and enthusiastic for both sides, as the Lebanese team started with a good performance, and imposed its control over the midfield, but without threatening the Tajik national team’s goal.

With the passage of time, the Tajik national team began to completely dominate the midfield, after Lebanon retreated to the midfield while relying on counterattacks.

Tajikistan threatened the "Cedars" team's goal with the first dangerous opportunity in the 22nd minute when striker Rustam was alone, but defender Qasim Al-Zein intervened and cleared the ball at the right time.

In the 32nd minute, Hassan Maatouq, the Lebanese captain, responded with a powerful shot that passed just past the left post.

The crossbar saved a chance for Tajikistan, who in the last 10 minutes relied on shots from outside the penalty area.

In the last minute of the half, Shavori scored a goal for Tajikistan, which was canceled by video technology, ending the half 0-0.

The Cedar Uprising

The Lebanese national team started the second half with a surprise attack in search of scoring a goal that would confuse its opponent's calculations.

In the 47th minute, Basil Jradi succeeded in scoring the goal for Lebanon with a wonderful shot.

The Tajik national team pressed after the goal in search of an adjustment, but it collided with a clustered Lebanese defence.

Then the 54th minute witnessed an exciting development, when Qassem El-Zein was sent off with a red card, leaving Lebanon to complete the match with 10 players.

Defender Khalil Khamis almost added Lebanon's second goal in the 67th minute from a corner kick, but his shot went over the crossbar.

The excitement reached its peak in the 69th minute when Jalilov scored a goal for the Tajik national team, but it was canceled again by video technology.

Tajikistan's strong offensive pressure continued until the equalizer came in the 80th minute from a free kick skillfully taken by midfielder Omar Bayev.

In the 92nd minute, Hamzkulov succeeded in adding the second goal for Tajikistan.

The Lebanese team tried to come back again in the remaining time to no avail, losing 2-1.