Lebanon’s Olympic team (U23) drew 1-1 with Iraq in their first friendly on Saturday evening at Al-Nasiriya International Stadium, part of the team’s overseas camp preparing for upcoming official competitions.Lebanon imposed themselves in the first half, dominating possession and controlling much of the period by building attacks and probing for chances on the Iraqi goal. They were the more dangerous side.That superiority paid off in the 41st minute when Lebanon won a penalty after Hassan Jaafar was fouled inside the box by an Iraqi defender. Hassan Salameh stepped up and converted, slotting the ball into the net to make it 1-0 at the break.The second half saw Iraq gain the upper hand, becoming the more effective and threatening side and testing Lebanon’s goal on several occasions. However, goalkeeper Hassan Haidar produced a number of saves, and some Iraqi attacks lacked a decisive final touch, preventing further goals.Iraq equalized in the ninth minute of the second half from a penalty, bringing the score level. Both sides continued to press, but neither could change the result, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.Lebanon starting lineup: goalkeeper Hassan Haidar; Hassan Mohammad, Adam Qubaisi, Joseph Al-Hajj, Hassan Jaafar (subbed off for Jaafar Al-Dali 71′), Ali Atwi, Hassan Salameh (Hadi Dweik 78′), Fouad Khawaja (Mohammad Jamal 60′), Hussein Sblini (Karim Qassem 71′), Abdullah Dawak (Fadi Al-Zayat 71′) and Karim Salim (Ali Faqih 60′).The two teams will meet again in a second friendly next Tuesday at 3:00 PM Beirut time. Lebanon head coach Captain Bassam Marmar intends to rotate the squad to give as many players as possible opportunities, while the players aim to deliver a strong performance and a positive result in the second match.