India bow out of Asian Cup with defeat against Syria
India suffered a 1-0 defeat against Syria in their third group-stage clash in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup at the Al Bayt Stadium on Tuesday. Omar Khribin's solitary goal in the 76th minute was enough for the Quasion Eagles to win the match at the quadrennial competition. The Blue Tigers showed spirit but mostly looked clueless going forward in attack. Here's more.
A look at the head-to-head record
India have a long rivalry with Syria since the Nehru Cup days in 2007. India and Syria have faced each other in six matches and the Blue Tigers had the upper hand before this encounter. India have won three matches to Syria's two while a solitary game was drawn. The Blue Tigers played out a 1-1 draw against Syria in the 2019 Intercontinental Cup.
Udanta Singh completes 50 International caps
With a substitute appearance against Syria in the AFC Asian Cup, Udanta Singh has accomplished 50 international caps for India. The FC Goa winger made his national team debut in March 2016. He has scored twice for India, against Pakistan and Chinese Taipei.
Khribin was the difference between the two teams
Syrian forward Khribin came off the bench against India to find the winning goal in the 76th minute. He has now scored 22 goals from 57 appearances for Syria. He is the joint fifth-highest goal-scorer for Syria along with Zyan Chaabo, who has also netted 22 goals. Notably, this is the first goal that Syria have scored in this edition of the Asian Cup.
India failed to score a goal in the Asian Cup
Igor Stimac's men were ineffective in attack as they suffered three straight defeats and failed to score a single goal while concerning six in return. This is the second time, India have failed to score in an Asian Cup campaign after 1984. They finished last in 1984 as they lost all four matches against Singapore, Iran, China, and UAE.
A look at the match summary
India started well against Syria and used the flanks to move forward. It was Mahesh Singh, who earned a corner courtesy of his silky footwork in the penalty area. Sunil Chhetri also had an opportunity to break the deadlock. In the second half, both teams cancelled each other and there were not many chances until Khribin netted the winner, capitalizing on a defensive error.
