On the smaller indoor football playing field of Futsal Salam Zgharta has had more success this season than on the outdoor playing field.

The Club has reached the finals of LEB Futsal Play Off's. They play Pro's Café Beirut on Tuesday, 14th April 2009 in the first of three possible games. After Tuesday they play again on 21st April and if after the two games there is no outright winner they play a match off on 23rd April.

The winner will play in the Asian Futsal Championship 2009 to be held in Iran. Ten countries including Australia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, China, Thailand, Qatar, Lebanon, Iran and Iraq will participate in the Championships.

In anticipation of victory Salam Zgharta are mounting a campaign entitled, "Salam Zgharta road to Iran."

On the outdoor field this Sunday sees Salam Zgharta play Tadamon Sour, with Shabab Al Ghazieh playing Al Hikma. All teams, especially Salam need to win to keep themselves out of the relegation zone. Present rankings are:

9th Place - Al Hikma - goal difference -15
10th Place Shabab Al Ghazieh - goal difference -18
11th Place - Salam Zgharta - goal difference -25

RESULT UPDATE12.04.09: Salam Zgharta 0 Tadamon Sour 0; Shabab Al Ghazieh 0 Al Hikma 0. Such weekend results means that the bottom rankings remain the same.

La Roma Times reported on the weekend games:

The Lebanese League entered it's last rounds and Ansar, the most team to win the Lebanese league, has lost the fight for the title, lost the fight for the golden triangle, which containts the top three teams in the league that qualify to Asian championships, and seem to be in fourth. Ansar entertained their visitors Sahel, as they have nothing in their mind but a win to ensure their presence in the league. Hassan Tehmaz opened the scoring for Sahal, but the second half had a different view as the green team, Ansar, scored two goals through Rabeeh Attaya and Ibrahim Manae.

In the second game of the day, Zgharta headed from the north to the south to battle with against Tyre, the game seemed to be passive as both teams were afraid of conceding Tyre are just above the last relegation spot and Zgharta occupy that spot. A win for Zgharta ensured they get out of relegation zone placing Tyre in stead of them but that was never to happen as Tyre's keeper managed to save a penalty in the final minutes of the game.

The last game of the day had another team travel to the south, Hekme headed to Sidon to play Qaziea. Both teams had 10 points before this game, and just one point above relegation spot, they seemed tranquill as they knew they cannot be at the bottom at the end of the day, the teams started their game well with high tempo but the teams failed to capitalize.

Without even playing this weekend Salam Zgharta dropped once again to 11th place in the First Division and the relegation zone.

Today on Palm Sunday, Shabab Al Ghazieh, who were in 11th place with 7 points, won 1-0 against Tadamon Sour who were in 8th place, gaining 3 vital points.

Peculiarly all three bottom teams have 10 points but because of goal difference the rankings are:

9th Place - Al Hikma - goal difference -15
10th Place Shabab Al Ghazieh - goal difference -18
11th Place - Salam Zgharta - goal difference -25

The teams all have now played 17 games with 3 games left to the end of the season.

Sunday, 12th April 2009

Salam Zgharta vs Tadamon Sour
Shabab Al Ghazieh vs Al Hikma

Thursday, 16th April 2009

Shabab Al Ghazieh vs Al Mabarrah

Sunday, 19th April 2009

Salam Zgharta vs Al Hikma

Sunday, 26th April 2009

Salam Zgharta vs Al Mabarrah
Shabab Al Ghazieh vs Al Ahed
Al Hikma vs Racing Beirut

On paper it seems that Salam Zgharta have the easier games than the other two teams.

On Sunday, 29th March 2009, Salam Zgharta plays Al Ansar in their 17th game of the season.

Last weekend saw Al Hikma in 9th place with 10 points; Salam in 10th place with 9 points and Shabab Al Ghazieh in 11th place with 7 points. This weekend's fixtures also sees Al Hikma play Al Ahed; Shabab Al Ghazieh is not playing until 5th April against Tadamon Sour.

The last games of the season, after this weekend are going to be nerve racking for the three teams at the bottom of the First Division.

Their scheduled games are:

Thursday, 2nd April 2009

Al Hikma vs Al Safa

Sunday, 5th April 2009

Shabab Al Ghazieh vs Tadamon Sour

Sunday, 12th April 2009

Salam Zgharta vs Tadamon Sour
Shabab Al Ghazieh vs Al Hikma

Thursday, 16th April 2009

Shabab Al Ghazieh vs Al Mabarrah

Sunday, 19th April 2009

Salam Zgharta vs Al Hikma

Sunday, 26th April 2009

Salam Zgharta vs Al Mabarrah
Shabab Al Ghazieh vs Al Ahed
Al Hikma vs Racing Beirut

It looks like it may be left to the last weekend of the season to see who will be relegated at the end of the season.

RESULT UPDATE: 29.03.09: Salam Zgharta 0 vs Al Ansar 0

All four bottom teams of the Lebanese First Division are playing teams in the top half this weekend.

Matches and places

Tadamon Sour (8th) v Al Ahed (4th)
Al Hikma (9th) v Al Mabarra (6th)
Shabab Al Ghazieh (10th) v Al Ansar (3rd)
Salam Zgharta (11th) v Shabab Sahel (5th)

Both Al Hikma and Al Tadamon still have the advantage over Salam Zgharta in that they still have a game in hand after this weekend. This suggests that the battle of relegation may be played out between Shabab Al Ghazieh and Salam Zgharta who have played the same amount of games, with goal difference in favour of Ghazieh if they tie in points at the end of the season.

RESULT UPDATE 22.03.09: Against the odds and predications Salam Zgharta won 3-0 against Shabab Sahel. Other results Tadamon Sour 0 Al Ahed 1; Al Hikma 0 Al Marbarra 0; Shabab Al Ghazieh 0 Al Ansar 1.

Salam Zgharta is now in 10th place.

Today saw the worse result for Salam Zgharta. Although the team was not playing, it's now in 11th place and therefore in the relegation zone. Such a state of affairs is because Tadamon Sour won today in their game against Al Mabarrah 2-1. Even worse Tadamon still has a game in hand.

The bottom five clubs are now:

Place Team - Games Played - Goal Difference - Points

7th: Al Hikma - 12 - minus 6 - 9pts
8th: Racing Beirut - 13 - minus 9 - 9pts
9th: Tadamon Sour - 13 - minus 15 - 8pts
10th: Shabab Al Ghazieh - 13 - minus 16 - 7 points
11th: Salam Zgharta - 14 - minius 23 - 6 points

Next Sunday, 8th March 2009, Salam Zgharta play against Racing Beirut.

"It is surmounting difficulties that makes heroes." Louis Kossuth

RESULT UPDATE 08.03.09: Racing Beirut 5 - Salam Zgharta 0

On Saturday, 28th February 2009, sees Salam Zgharta play Al Nejmeh.

As can be seen from the below rankings the top four teams of the First Division are separated only by four points. At the other end, excluding Tripoli Sports Club, the bottom three teams are separated only by two points. More concerning is that only one point separates Salam Zgharta with teams of either side of it.

We understand that as two teams from the Second Division will be promoted at the end of the season, it means that Tripoli Sports Club and one other will be relegated. So it's a case of watching who will be in eleventh place at the end of the season. What is of concern to Salam is that Tadamon has a game in hand.

Unhappily the remaining season may be a case of watching the results of Shabah Al Ghazieh and Tadamon Sour to see if Salam Zgharta remains in the First Division next season, rather than their own results. This weekend Shabah plays Racing Beirut and Tadamon plays Al Hikma.

Another nail biting weekend for Salam's supporter's !

First Division Rankings:

1.Al Nejmeh - 32
2.Al Safa - 30
3.Al Ansar - 28
3.Al Ahed - 28
5.Shabab Sahel - 18
6.Al Mabarrah - 19
7.Al Hikma - 9
8.Racing Beirut - 9
9.Shabah Al Ghazieh - 7
10.Salam Zgharta - 6
11.Tadamon Sour - 5
12.Tripoli Sports Club - 0

The Club's website, www.salamzgharta.com is now accepting advertisments. For further information call 03/948782 03/948782.

MATCH UPDATE:The game between Salam Zgharta and Al Nejmeh has been rescheduled to Monday, 2nd March 2009. It will be broadcast on Future TV.

RESULT UPDATE: Al Nejmeh 3- Salam Zgharta 0. Goals were scored in the 45th, 75th, 79th minutes of the game.

This weekend may decide the fortunes of Salam Zgharta in the First Division.

There are 23 points separating the top team, Al Nejmeh (29 points ) and Salam Zgharta in 9th place (6 points). Where there is not such a great gap is at the bottom of the Division, which is worrying for Salam. In 10th place is Tadamon Sour with 5 points and Shabab Al Ghazieh in 11th with 4 points. Both Al Nejmeh and Tadamon Sour have a game in hand and although a win for Tadamon is unlikely a draw could be, which would give them a point. At the beginning of the season Tripoli Sports Club resigned from the Division. What is not clear if they and one other will be relegated or two teams actually playing will be relegated.

On Saturday, 21st February 2009, Tadamon Sour play Al Nejmeh and Salam Zgharta play Shabab Al Ghazieh on Sunday. These games are key as they may determine the bottom placings in the First Division. When Salam last played Shabab they lost 3-2.

RESULT UPDATE: Salam Zgharta lost 4-2 against Shabab Al Ghazieh. This means that Salam Zgharta is in 10th place with 6 points and Tadamon Sour in 11th place with 5 points. If both teams level in points, Salam would rank lower on goal difference being -20 compared with Tadamon's -16.

This Sunday, 15th February 2008, sees Salam Zgharta play another top ranking club, Al Safa, who are second place in the First Division with 24 points. It is unfortunate that Salam has had to play two clubs from the top half of the division at the start of the second leg of the season before new team members can get into their stride. Salam is in ninth place with six points.

Notwithstanding when Salam played, Al Safa, the score line against them was 2-1, not a disgraceful result. So with a recharged team lets hope the Club can hold their nerve and gain some points.

On the indoor football game, Futsal, Salam has won their last three games and are in 3rd place.

RESULT UPDATE: Salam Zgharta 0 - Al Safa 2. Goals scored in the 30th & 39th minutes. Salam is in 9th place with 5 points.

Sunday, 8th February 2009, sees Salam Zgharta play Al Ahed at 12.30 pm Zgharta time.

It seems the time when Salam's home games will be truly home games is coming nearer, as at the Club's Management Board meeting on 6th February 2009 it announced that the artificial turf for the stadium should be delivered within a month.

The meeting also heard thanks to various people for their assistance and contribution in particular; the President of the Zgharta Ehden Municipal Council, Gen. Joseph Maarrawi and Councilors for their donation of 5 million LL ($3,212 US) to cover the expenses of the Club and the Union of Zgharta Zawie Municipal Councils for their donation of 20 million LL ($13,235 US) for ongoing work.

NEWS UPDATE: Salam Zgharta lost 2-1

On Sunday, 8th February 2009, Salam Zgharta, play their first match of the second half of the season against fourth place, Al Ahed.

As part of their prematch preparations Salam played against seventh place club, Racing Beirut, last Saturday week winning 2-0.

Salam is currently in ninth place with six points. To be realistic all we want from Salam this season is to avoid relegation and for the team to play in the First Division next season.

To strengthen the team the Club has announced in recent days the signing of two further overseas players, Simon Bastoura from Cameroon and Erkady Shilingarian from Armenia. Last year the Club also signed up the Nigerian player, Prince Abdy who has become a key player in the team.

If you are a fan of "The Beautiful Game," a phrase synonymous for football, after being said by Brazilian football star, Didi, you can keep up to date with the news of Salam Zgharta and international teams by going to www.salamzgharta.com

Last weekend saw a number of friendly football games in anticipation of the start of the second half of the 2008/2009 football season. Salam Zgharta played Ansar and won 2-1. The Club played three possible new players for the season. The result should bolster the confidence of the team as Ansar are in 3rd place in the First Division.

Unfortunately Salam loss 6-3 against Lebanese Canadian Bank in the quarter-finals of the Lebanese Futsal Cup. The game proved controversial owing to disputed referee decisions.

The second half of the Lebanese First Division starts next month, with Salam Zgharta playing on Sunday, 8th February 2009, against fourth place, Al Ahed. When they last played in December, Salam lost 5-1.

At the conclusion of the first half of the season, Salam were in 9th place with six points. Only two points separate them with the bottom team, which means there is a risk of relegation next season.

On the smaller indoor game of Futsal, Salam has achieved better results. At the end of the final seventh round they ended in 3rd place, with 10 points, in the Lebanon Premier Futsal League 2008-2009. Ahead were Olympic Saida with 15 points and Pro's Café Beirut on top with 19 points.

In the Lebanon's Futsal Cup 2008-2009, Salam are in the quarter-finals, to be played on 25th January 2009 against the Lebanese Canadian Bank.

The name, Futsal, is derived from the Portuguese, " futebol de salão" and the Spanish, " fútbol sala/de salón", which can be translated as, "indoor football." It is played between two teams of five players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Each team may have up to seven substitutes. The "pitch" is determined by lines and players can use walls to rebound the ball, which is smaller than a normal one.

We are please to report that Salam's website www.salamzgharta.com has had a revamp and although we have been critical in the past of it, the website now does credit to a First Division club.

The game of football has its highs and lows both on and off the field.

Off the field, where teams are losing, the position of coaches come under great scrutiny and often their imminent departure is soon rumoured. So is the case of Salam Zgharta's coach, Nicolas Phibert, who was appointed last year at the beginning of the 2008/2009 First Division season.

The first half of the season has been abysmal for Salam, lossing six games, drawing 3 and winning one , resulting in the team being in 9th place with six points. Only two points sperate them with the botton team, which means there is a risk of relegation next season.

Therefore the Club's announcemnt at the end of last year that Phibert was leaving came as no suprise. In his place the Armenian coach, Tsourick Barsakhian, has been appointed.

The Club also announced that it will not proceed with the contract of Cameroon defender, George Ambassa.

As supporters of Salam Zgharta we welcome the appointment of Barsakhian and hope both coach and the players will suceeed in the new year by remaining in the First Division at the end of the season.