Preview: Al Ahed SC Hosts Tadamon SC Sour in Lebanese Cup Clash

BEIRUT (Interstat) — Defending champion Al Ahed SC will host rival Tadamon SC Sour in a Lebanese Cup match on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at Beirut’s Fouad Chehab Stadium.

The fixture is a renewal of one of Lebanese football’s most competitive derbies, pitting the historically dominant Al Ahed against the spirited coastal club from Tyre.

Al Ahed enters the contest with momentum, coming off a 1-0 victory over Al Riyadi Al Abbasiyah Club in league play on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. The narrow win exemplified the disciplined, defensive style that has made the club a perennial powerhouse in domestic competitions.

Tadamon Sour, meanwhile, brings confidence from a comeback 2-1 home win against Shabab Al Sahel on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. That result demonstrated the team’s resilience and attacking threat.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the match is projected to be a tight, low-scoring affair, with a predicted final score of Al Ahed SC 1, Tadamon SC Sour 0. This aligns with recent history, where matches between these sides are often decided by a single goal.

The tactical battle will be key. Al Ahed, known for its organized structure and experience in high-stakes matches, will likely control possession and seek to break down Tadamon’s defense. Tadamon will depend on quick transitions and set-piece opportunities to challenge Al Ahed’s back line.

Player fitness and selection will be crucial, as both teams navigate a congested domestic schedule. The cup competition offers a direct path to continental qualification, adding significant stakes to the knockout encounter.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. local time (1100 GMT). The winner will advance to the next round of the national tournament.