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Sta 2 Oct 8:00PM |
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| LEBANON |
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SERBIA |
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Tries
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| Ahmad El Masri 4, Adam El Zabaide 2, Gilbert Haydamous, Hassan Taha, George Azzi, Anthony Farrah, Charlie Nohra. | Dimitris Daich. |
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Goals
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| Toufiq Nicholas 9/10, A. El Masri 1/1 | Dalibor Vukanovic 1/1 |
MATCH REPORT:
John Risman’s outclassed but plucky Serbs faced a Lebanese team filled with local talent and some Australian based debutants as well. Fullback Toufiq Nicolas made an impressive debut, taking over the kicking duties of one Hazem El Masri, who was occupied preparing to win the NRL grand final in Sydney. LAU Immortals Sami Halabi and Rudy Hachache also played well as a very speedy Lebanese side overwhelmed the Serbians in the first half. Ahmad El Masri, El Magic’s younger brother, in particular looked dangerous whenever he was on the ball and was the pick of the Cedars’ pacey three-quarters as Lebanon opened up an unassailable 40-0 lead.
The Serbians rallied in a much tighter second half, with Dimitris Daich driving over in the 64th minute to open the visitors’ account.