Nejmeh SC Hosts Rival Al Ansar SC in Lebanese Cup Showdown

BEIRUT (Interstat) — The fiercest rivalry in Lebanese football renews Sunday when Nejmeh SC hosts Al Ansar SC in a Cup match at Beirut’s Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium.

The fixture, set for Jan. 18, 2026, marks the latest chapter in a decades-long contention for domestic supremacy. Both clubs are perennial powerhouses, with their encounters often deciding silverware.

Nejmeh enters with confidence from the most recent head-to-head meeting. On Sept. 14, 2024, Nejmeh secured a 3-1 home victory over Al Ansar in league play. That result extended their unbeaten run in the fixture to three matches.

Al Ansar arrives following a narrow 1-0 home victory over Al Ahli SC Nabatīya on Nov. 22, 2025, in league action. The win helped stabilize their form after the earlier defeat to their rivals.

A statistical projection by Interstat’s game simulator forecasts a commanding performance for the hosts, predicting a 3-0 victory for Nejmeh SC. Such a result would significantly boost Nejmeh’s quest for Cup advancement while dealing a blow to Al Ansar’s ambitions.

The match carries weight beyond the tournament bracket. For Nejmeh, a win reinforces their recent dominance in the rivalry. For Al Ansar, it represents a critical opportunity for redemption and to shift the momentum ahead of potential late-season title clashes.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time (1500 GMT). The stadium is expected to be at capacity, with heightened security measures in place typical for this high-stakes derby.

Weather conditions at match time are forecast to be clear and cool, with temperatures near 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius).

The winner advances to the next round of the knockout tournament, while the loser’s Cup campaign ends. With pride, progression and psychological advantage on the line, Sunday’s clash promises the intense atmosphere and competitive fervor that defines Lebanese football’s premier rivalry.