| |
Syria defeated Lebanon by 1-0 in Nehru Cup played on Thursday. Syria’s win has doubled India’s chances to be in the final.
Sri Lanka may spoil defending champions India's dream, but only if they run up a tennis score against Kyrgyzstan on Friday. India has six points from three matches while Sri Lanka has tallied three points. The hosts have a better goal difference of plus two while Sri Lanka has minus five.
The Thursday’s match between traditional rivals Syria and Lebanon was marred by frayed tempers. Syria, who became the runner’s up during the last edition, played better of the two teams at the floodlit Ambedkar Stadium.
Mohammed Alzino of Syria scored the winning goal in the 23rd minute. Lebanon had a disappointing game in their first Nehru Cup.
Lebanon had started the tournament on a positive note with a 1-0 win over India, but they could not show their energy in this must-win match against Syria.
Syria controlled the game from the start.
The Syrians looked a little rattled during the first five minutes when Lebanese striker Akram Moghrabi made threatening inroads. Soon, Syria set free a flurry of attack with Alzino taking the first shot at the goal only to be stopped by a diving goalkeeper Larry Mehana.
The Lebanese defence was easily broken by the Syrians, Alzino, Abdul Fatah Aalaga and Wael Ayan, at regular intervals. The only goal came as an unmarked Alzino latched onto Alaga's header and raced into to boot home.
Lebanon rebounded with more vigour in getting the equaliser after the breather. In the last 10 minutes, Lebanon defended well to prevent Syria from doubling the lead.
