Facing the imminent threat of elimination, the Indian national football team is thrust into a must-win scenario in their concluding AFC Asian Cup 2023 encounter against Syria. The Blue Tigers, grappling with two consecutive defeats without managing to score, find themselves in a desperate situation, requiring a victory in India vs Syria to keep their hopes of progressing in the tournament alive. Their path to redemption is obstructed by Syria, who, too, are in a precarious position, compelled to secure a positive outcome to advance to the next round of the competition.
The impending clash between India and Syria holds immense significance, as the outcome will determine the fate of both teams in the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Thus that being said, let us take a look at the two previous encounters when India got better of Syria.
Coach Bob Houghton’s insistence led to the reinstatement of the Nehru Cup by AIFF after a decade, aligning with the second edition. In the first edition, India faced Syria in the final. Despite Qasioun Eagles’ favouritism due to an unbeaten run and striker Zyad Chaabo’s form, India secured a historic victory with NP Pradeep’s 44th-minute goal. Ayan Wael’s red card added to Syria’s woes as Blue Tigers lifted their first Nehru Cup on National Sports Day.
In the 2012 Nehru Cup opener, captain Sunil Chhetri, fresh from the Sporting Lisbon camp, gave India the lead with a header in added time of the first half. Anthony Pereira doubled the lead with a left-footed curler in the 84th minute. Despite Alaa Al Shbli’s late goal, connecting with Ouday Abduljaffal’s free-kick, it wasn’t enough for Syria. Rain around the 30th minute led to both teams resorting to long balls. While Syria exited in the first round, India won the 2012 Nehru Cup, defeating Cameroon on penalties in the final.
