India on Tuesday crashed out of the AFC Asian Cup courtesy of a 0-1 loss to Syria in their final group game. India squandered the few chances they had in the game as Syria scored through Omar Khirbin in the second half to dash the hopes of Blue Tigers.
India, needing a win to give themselves any chance of qualifying to the next round of AFC Asian Cup, started the game in a brisk pace. The Blue Tigers had a more attacking approach than their previous two games, committing more players forward.
India had their first clear cut chance within the opening 5 minutes when Manvir Singh found Mahesh Singh Naorem inside the the box from the right flank. Naorem, surrounded by two Syria defenders, dribbled past them and tried to chip the ball over the incoming goalkeeper. However, the Syrian goalkeeper’s outstretched left hand stopped the ball from going inside the goal.
Syria were the more attacking team overall, creating numerous chances and taking shots at India’s goal at every chance they got. Indian custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was called into action more often than not throughout the first half, and Gurpreet stood strong, fisting and punching balls out of danger whenever called upon.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant captain Subhashish Bose was at the top his game after coming into the XI in place of Nikhil Poojary. Subhashish managed quite a few important interventions. Both teams failed to end their goal drought in the tournament in the first half, as both walked into the dugout with the score reading 0-0.
The Indians suffered a big jolt at the start of second half, losing their best defender Sandesh Jhingan to a knee injury. Even the loss of their best defender could not dampen India’s spirit as Sunil Chhetri and co. tried hard to break the deadlock. A spill from the Syrian goalkeeper almost gave the lead to India, but Ibrahim Alma recovered in time to save the rebound.
With the time ticking, both teams increased their intensity in search of the elusive goal. Stimac introduced Sahal Abdul Samad and Suresh Singh as Manvir Singh and Deepak Tangri made way to try and break the deadlock.
However, it was Syria who broke the deadlock in the 75th minute through substitute Omar Khirbin. Khirbin received the ball from the left side of the box. His poor first touch almost took the ball away from him, but he maintained his composure to put the ball past the near post of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
India pushed hard for an equaliser but it was not meant to be as Igor Stimac’s men will return to India without scoring a goal in the tournament and conceding six.
