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India lose to Syria in 2018 AFC U-23 Championship qualifying
Rabie Srour and Fares Arnaout scored for Syria as they beat India 2-0 in the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers
India lost 0-2 to Syria in their opening match of 2018 AFC U-23 Championship qualifiying at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Wednesday.
India put up a resolute defensive performance in the first half, with goalkeeper Vishal Kaith making a series of saves to keep the score goalless at half-time.
Kaith notably made a goal line save in the 24th minute from a shot that was taken just a few feet from the face of the goal.
Another highlight of the opening 45 minutes for India was Germanpreet Singh’s right-footed shot in the 37th minute, which rebounded off the post.
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Syria, however, broke the deadlock in the 64th minute after a defensive mix-up in the Indian backline.
It was Rabie Srour who took advantage of the miscommunication and found the back of the net to give the Syrians the lead.
Fares Arnaout then sealed the deal for Syria with an 88th minute goal.
India will face Qatar in their next game on July 21, before taking on Turkmenistan in their final qualifying match.
