India U-23s go down to Syria U-23s in AFC C’ship Qualifiers

The Indians gave a good account of themselves but second-half goals put paid to their hopes.

Published : Jul 20, 2017 00:38 IST

India U-23s in action on Wednesday against Syria U-23s in Doha.
India U-23s in action on Wednesday against Syria U-23s in Doha.
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India U-23s in action on Wednesday against Syria U-23s in Doha.

India started its campaign at the AFC U-23 Championship China 2018 Qualifiers with a 2-0 loss to Syria after a spirited display at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. Both of Syria’s goals were scored in the second half - the first by Rabie Srour in the 64th minute when he caught India’s goalkeeper out of position, and the second by Fares Arnaout in the 88th minute.

India came close to scoring in the 37th minute when India stitched a string of passes to allow Germanpreet Singh a chance to score, but his shot rebounded off the post for a corner, which itself almost got India the goal. India came close again at the start of the second half; Manvir Singh’s header landed safely in the goalkeeper’s gloves.

Srour gave Syria the lead by lobbing the ball over the goalkeeper’s head, before Arnaout sealed the contest in the dying stages.

India will play host Qatar U-23s in the next match on Friday.

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