Adnan Al Sharqi

Adnan Hussein Mekdache (; 15 November 1941 – 1 June 2021), commonly known as Adnan Al Sharqi , was a Lebanese football player and manager.

After leading Ansar to the Lebanese Premier League for the first time as a player-coach, Al Sharqi coached the club between 1967 and 2000, and during the 2004–05 season. He won 11 league titles in a row, becoming the football manager to have won the most league titles in the world. Al Sharqi also coached the Lebanon national team in various periods spanning between 1974 and 2008.

Early life Born on 15 November 1941 in Beirut, Lebanon, Al Sharqi grew up in the Tariq El Jdideh district. He used to play football with his friends in the hills and fields in the area. he was forced to return to Beirut one year later following the death of his father. He left the club in January 1967, moving to Olympic Club in Alexandria, Egypt for a short stint. leading them to promotion to the Lebanese Premier League for the first time.

Managerial career Al Sharqi coached Ansar between 1967 and 2000, and during the 2004–05 season. Al Sharqi was named AFC Coach of the Month for July 1995.

Al Sharqi also coached the Lebanon national team in various periods spanning between 1974 and 2008, coaching for 11 years. He was Lebanon's coach in their first World Cup qualification campaign, in 1993.

Personal life Al Sharqi's brother Mounir helped Ansar obtain their official license in 1954, working as an administrator for the club. His brother Khalil was responsible for the equipment at Nahda. His funeral was held on 2 June at the Beirut Municipal Stadium, Ansar's home stadium, and was attended by a large crowd of Ansar fans.

Career statistics International

Scores and results list Lebanon's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Al Sharqi goal. +List of international goals scored by Adnan Al Sharqi

3 April 1966 Al-Kashafa Stadium, Baghdad, Iraq

1966 Arab Cup

5 April 1966 Al-Kashafa Stadium, Baghdad, Iraq

1966 Arab Cup

Lebanese Premier League Best Coach: 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 2004–05