Match report: Al Ansar SC 4–1 Al Safa SC (Lebanese Premier League, 16 May 2026)

Match Summary

Al Ansar SC delivered an emphatic 4–1 victory over Al Safa SC at the Beirut Municipal Stadium on Saturday night in the Lebanese Premier League. The Green Castle dominated from start to finish, racing into a three‑goal lead before half‑time. Al Safa pulled one back early in the second half, but Al Ansar restored their three‑goal cushion soon after. The win consolidates Al Ansar’s position at the top of the table as they close in on the league title.

Match Overview

Al Ansar started with high intensity, pressing Al Safa deep in their own half. The first goal came after 12 minutes when striker Hassan Maatouk latched onto a through‑ball and fired into the bottom corner. By the 35th minute, the home side had added two more: a curling free‑kick from winger Mohamad Haidar and a close‑range header from defender Rabih Ataya. Al Safa showed signs of life after the break when midfielder Ahmad Jalloul reduced the deficit with a deflected shot, but Al Ansar responded almost immediately as substitute Abbas Ali scored a tap‑in after a goalmouth scramble. The hosts controlled the remainder of the match, earning a convincing win in front of their supporters.

Key Moments

• 12' – Al Ansar open the scoring: Hassan Maatouk received a clever pass and slotted home from 12 yards.
• 28' – 2–0: Mohamad Haidar curled a free‑kick over the wall and inside the far post.
• 35' – 3–0: Rabih Ataya headed in a corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
• 52' – Al Safa pull one back: Ahmad Jalloul’s shot took a deflection and looped into the net.
• 59' – 4–1: Abbas Ali scored from close range after a cross was not cleared.

Tactical Story

Al Ansar used a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation that gave them width and creativity. Their full‑backs overlapped constantly, forcing Al Safa to narrow their defence and leaving space for the midfielders. The set‑piece delivery was outstanding, with two goals coming from dead‑ball situations. Al Safa struggled to cope with the home side’s movement and were often caught out of position. After the break, they attempted a more direct approach and briefly threatened, but Al Ansar’s experienced backline quickly reasserted control.

Standout Players

• Hassan Maatouk (Al Ansar): The veteran striker scored the opener and led the line superbly.
• Mohamad Haidar (Al Ansar): A constant menace on the wing, his free‑kick was a highlight.
• Rabih Ataya (Al Ansar): Dominant at both ends, scoring from a corner and keeping a clean sheet for most of the match.

Season Impact

Al Ansar SC extend their lead at the top of the Lebanese Premier League to five points with six matches remaining. Al Safa stay in 6th place, now seven points adrift of the top four. The result reinforces Al Ansar’s status as title favourites, and with their attacking form, they look difficult to stop. Al Safa will need to regroup quickly to avoid slipping further down the table.