Miski snatches Lebanon win after France celebrations cut short

Abbas Miski scored an extraordinary golden-point winner as Lebanon beat France 24–20 at the Rugby League World Cup, moments after the French thought they had won.

France celebrated a field goal in extra time at CommBank Stadium, only for it to be ruled out for obstruction. Miski then intercepted Arthur Mourgue’s attempted chip near the French line to settle a remarkable finish in Sydney.

Lebanon vs France had finished 20–20 after 80 minutes, with Mourgue’s long-range, two-point drop goal rescuing France at the end of normal time.

But the full-back’s late gamble proved costly, allowing Lebanon to finish their tournament with a first victory. Both sides had already been eliminated from semi-final contention.

Miski wins it after France’s false finish

The decisive passage began with Alex Conti missing a penalty attempt from long range towards the end of the first period of golden point.

Mourgue collected the ball but attempted to chip over the approaching defence. Miski caught it and had a clear route to the line, scoring in the 85th minute.

It completed a sudden reversal for Lebanon, whose players had been left dejected when France appeared to have kicked the winning field goal earlier in extra time.

That effort was disallowed for obstruction, giving the Cedars another chance. Miski took it and was chaired off the field during the celebrations.

“I was as sad as I’ve been the whole tournament, then I was happy as I’ve been the whole tournament,” Lebanon captain Alex Twal said, as reported by Seven.

Lebanon vs France: Conti helps Cedars establish lead

Conti opened the scoring in the fourth minute, converting his own try and adding a penalty before Amir Bourouh’s converted score brought France back into contention.

Lebanon led 8–6 at half-time and extended their advantage through Michael Gabrael six minutes after the restart.

Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet replied for France before Tony Francis crossed for Lebanon. César Rougé’s converted try then brought the sides level at 18–18 with nine minutes remaining.

Conti restored Lebanon’s lead with a late penalty, but Mourgue’s two-point drop goal in the final minute forced extra time.

The full scoring summary records four Lebanon tries to France’s three, with Conti contributing 12 points.

Both teams bow out after dramatic finale

Neither side could reach the knockout stages after losing their opening two matches, leaving Sunday’s meeting as their last opportunity to register a win.

Lebanon took it in circumstances that left France facing a third defeat, despite twice appearing close to completing their comeback.

The NRL’s match report confirms Miski’s winning try and the sequence that took the match into golden point.

For the knockout schedule, read our Rugby League World Cup semi-finals guide.

Lebanon vs France: Score and scorers

Lebanon 24–20 France, after golden point. Half-time: 8–6. After 80 minutes: 20–20.

Lebanon tries: Alex Conti, Michael Gabrael, Tony Francis, Abbas Miski. Conversions: Conti 2. Penalties: Conti 2.

France tries: Amir Bourouh, Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, César Rougé. Conversions: Arthur Mourgue 3. Two-point drop goal: Mourgue.