Ottawa native joins Lebanon’s Men’s National team for Pestabola Merdeka in Malaysia
Vancouver FC forward Gabriel Bitar has earned an international call up with Lebanon’s Men’s National team for the 43rd edition of Pestabola Merdeka this September in Malaysia.
The 2024 Pestabola Merdeka, or Merdeka Cup, is an international friendly tournament that will feature three invited countries, Tajikistan, Lebanon, and the Philippines, as well as hosts Malaysia to face off in a two-round competition. Bitar, 26, and Lebanon will first take on the reigning tournament champions Tajikistan on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The winner of that match will advance to the final on Sunday, Sept. 8, where they’ll face the victor between Malaysia and Philippines. All matches will be played at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This is Bitar’s third international call up for the Lebanese National team in 2024, previously participating in FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in January. The native of Ottawa, Ont., made four appearances across both competitions, including playing eight minutes against Lebanon’s upcoming opponent, Tajikistan, in the nation’s final group match of the AFC Asian Cup. Bitar made his senior team debut for Lebanon in December 2022 in a friendly match against United Arab Emirates.
Bitar joined Vancouver ahead of the club’s inaugural year in 2023 and has since made 45 appearances across all competitions. After scoring in Vancouver’s most recent Canadian Premier League (CPL) match against Valour FC, Bitar now ties Alejandro ‘Wero’ Díaz for the club’s all-time leading goal scorer with ten goals. Bitar is also currently Vancouver’s all-time leader for assists with six assists to date.
Bitar has made 16 starts in 20 appearances for Vancouver in 2024, scored four goals including his second brace with the club, and registered two assists.
Bitar will not be available for Vancouver’s upcoming home match on Friday, Sept. 6 when the club hosts Marvel Superhero Night against York United FC. Tickets to that match, and Vancouver’s remaining two home matches, can be purchased online here.
