TFA Talents Football Academy faced off against JFA - Jounieh Football Academy in a league neutral match at the Fouad Chehab Stadium on 1st December 2024, kicking off at 9:00 am. The match concluded with a convincing 3-0 victory for TFA, showcasing their attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation.
TFA lined up in a 2-3-3 formation, which allowed for a fluid transition between defence and attack. Charbel Mikhael took his place in goal, while Charbel Awad and Ralph Dahdouh formed a sturdy central defensive partnership. The midfield trio consisted of Anthony Boufadel on the right, Elie Assaf centrally, and Peter Toibia on the left, providing both width and creativity. Up front, Lucas Raii and Georgio Mitri operated as right and left forwards respectively, supporting the central striker, Ibrahim Yassin, who was tasked with leading the line and finishing chances.
The substitutes for TFA included Jay Nassar, Charbel Abdo, Ryan Bou Kheir, Omar Allouli, Georgio Moubayed, Roben Wadi, and Matheo Zoghbi, providing depth and tactical flexibility for the manager throughout the match.
The action began early, with a substitution in the first minute as Anthony Boufadel replaced Jay Nassar, followed closely by Jay Nassar coming on for Lucas Raii. The match quickly saw its first foul, as Peter Toibia was penalised for a handball just two minutes in. TFA's goalkeeper, Charbel Mikhael, was called into action shortly after, making a full stretch save to deny JFA an early goal in the fourth minute.
However, the breakthrough came in the ninth minute when Georgio Mitri found the net amidst a goalmouth scramble, scoring with his left foot from close range. This early goal set the tone for the match, and TFA continued to press forward. Mitri's impact was short-lived as he was substituted off for Charbel Abdo in the 11th minute.
As the match progressed, TFA maintained their dominance, with Mikhael again showcasing his skills with another full stretch save in the ninth minute. The 18th minute saw Ibrahim Yassin extend TFA's lead with a stunning long-range effort, struck with his right foot, leaving the JFA goalkeeper with little chance.
The first half concluded with TFA leading 2-0, but not without further attempts from the academy. Peter Toibia had a shot saved in the 17th minute, while Lucas Raii's efforts in the 13th and 14th minutes were also thwarted.
After the break, TFA continued to control the game, with Mikhael making a series of impressive saves, including a dive at the feet of an attacker in the 29th minute. The defensive efforts from Elie Assaf and Charbel Awad were crucial, with Assaf making a vital header clearance in the 33rd minute.
Substitutions continued to flow as TFA rotated their squad, with Ryan Bou Kheir and Georgio Mitri both making notable contributions. The third goal came in the 48th minute when Lucas Raii scored a spectacular direct free-kick from outside the box, sealing the victory for TFA.
As the match drew to a close, TFA's defence remained resolute, with Assaf making a crucial block in the 50th minute to deny any late resurgence from JFA. The final whistle confirmed TFA's comprehensive 3-0 victory, a testament to their tactical discipline and attacking flair throughout the match. Elie Assaf's performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade, highlighting his pivotal role in both defence and midfield.
