India U-23 lose to Syria in AFC Qualifying opener

Doha, July 20: India lost 0-2 to Syria in their opening match of the AFC U-23 Championship Qualifiers at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, here.

Both the teams played cautiously as the opening half failed to produce any goals. India pressed hard in their effort to unsettle the physically superior Syrians.

The first chance of the day fell to striker Daniel Lalhlimpuia but the ex-AIFF Academy cadet could not make the most of the opportunity. The high point for India came in the 37th minute when a string of passes found the tireless Germanpreet Singh but his prompt right-footer rebounded off the post for a corner

Syria went ahead in the 64th minute through striker Rabie Srour who lobbed the ball over Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith who was caught out of position. Central defender Salam Ranjan Singh made a valiant attempt to keep the ball out of the net but to no avail.

Syria sealed the fate of the match in the 88th minute when Fares Arnaout doubled their lead. India U-23 boys will next play hosts and group favourites Qatar on Friday.

PTI