(647) 519-2095 me@jadaoun.com

Lebanon will be taking on Malaysia in the second round of the 2012 London Olympics men’s football qualifying tournament for Asia, with the Malaysians feeling slightly uneasy with their match-up:

“We have to play against one of the heavyweights (seeded teams) and Lebanon are no exception even though, strangely, we hold a higher ranking (138th against 169th) than them,” said coach Ong Kim Swee after the draw at the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday [March 30].

“Lebanon gave a strong showing in the qualifying rounds for the last Olympics (in Beijing in 2008). I have been told that they have also beaten Syria and Qatar in friendly matches. My immediate task is to do some research and gather information on the Lebanese Olympic side. I need to get some insight on our opponents before I get to work with my boys.”

The first match will be played in Beirut on June 19 with a return match in Kuala Lumpur on June 23.

The Star: An AFC official making the draw for the 2012 Olympic qualifiers.

The Star: Malaysia have been drawn to play against Lebanon in the second round of the 2012 London Olympics men’s football qualifying tournament for Asia.