Syria clinched the title in the Intercontinental Cup football tournament with a 3-0 victory over India at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday. Mahmoud Al Aswad (7th minute), Daleho Irandust (76th minute), and Pablo Sabbag (90+6th minute) scored for Syria in the final.
India, previously held to a goalless draw by Mauritius on September 3, had a tough tournament. Syria defeated Mauritius 2-0 in their first match, finishing the round-robin stage with six points. Both India and Mauritius ended with just one point each.
The tournament, which follows a round-robin format without a final, saw Syria emerge as champions based on their superior performance. Manolo Marquez, who recently took over as India’s head coach from Igor Stimac, had a challenging start to his tenure.
Syria Wins Intercontinental Cup 2024
On Monday, September 9, 2024, Syria clinched the Intercontinental Cup with a decisive 3-0 victory over India at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. The win was powered by goals from Mahmoud Al Aswad in the 7th minute, Daleho Irandust in the 76th minute, and Sabbag during stoppage time. This result marked a disappointing end to Manolo Marquez’s first match as India’s coach.
Syria, needing only a draw to secure the trophy, fielded a revamped team, while India had to win to claim victory. Early in the game, India struggled with their forward passes, which were frequently intercepted or inaccurate. In the 7th minute, a chaotic moment in the Indian penalty area allowed Mahmoud Al Aswad to score, putting Syria ahead.
Syria nearly extended their lead soon after when Alaa Aldin’s powerful shot struck the post. At this point, Syria dominated the match, leaving Manolo Marquez and the Indian team searching for solutions.
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India vs Syria Intercontinental Cup 2024 Highlights
In the 12th minute, Gurpreet Singh was called into action as a dangerous attack from Syria tested the Indian defense. Shortly after, India managed to break through Syria’s press, with Nandha nearly scoring from a superb pass by Manvir.
Syria continued to press, and Alaa Aldin found himself one-on-one with Gurpreet. Fortunately, Aldin’s shot missed the target, and Indian fans breathed a sigh of relief.
India began to create opportunities on the left side, with Subhashish delivering a cross that Chhangte headed over the bar.
In the 35th minute, Syria nearly doubled their lead, but Gurpreet made a crucial save. Al Aswad’s cross hit Aldin and nearly crossed the line before Gurpreet pushed it away, with Poojary clearing the danger.
India finished the first half strongly. Sahal managed to get India’s first shot on goal, which was saved by Elias. Suresh set up Nikhil, whose shot was blocked, but India earned a free-kick. The set-piece found Anwar, who couldn’t control the ball, resulting in a goal kick as the referee blew for halftime.
In the second half, India brought on Apuia Ralte and Asish Rai in place of Suresh Wangjam and Nikhil Poojary. They earned a couple of early corners, showing signs of improvement.
India created another opportunity when Sahal released Chhangte, but his shot was saved by the Syrian goalkeeper. In the 60th minute, Sahal, India’s standout player, delivered a dangerous cross that troubled the Syrian defense. Chhangte’s shot was blocked, and he had another chance in the 68th minute, but Nandha’s scuffed shot just missed him.
Against the run of play, Syria doubled their lead in the 77th minute. Irandust’s run into the box saw his shot slip under Gurpreet and into the net, seemingly sealing the game for Syria.
In the closing minutes of regular time, India stayed strong, with Edmund forcing Elias to make an impressive save. The resulting corner led to Mahesh’s shot being blocked and Chhangte’s follow-up attempt hitting the crossbar.
Liston then nearly stunned Elias with a remarkable long-range shot that also hit the crossbar, coming close to scoring. Ultimately, Sabbag sealed the victory with a decisive goal, clinching the win for India.
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Syria Wins Intercontinental Cup 2024 FAQs
Q.1. Who won the Intercontinental Cup?
Ans. Syria won the 2024 Intercontinental Cup, defeating India 3-0 in the final.
Q.2. What were the goal timings in the Syria vs India final?
Ans. Mahmoud Al Aswad scored in the 7th minute, Daleho Irandust in the 76th minute, and Pablo Sabbag in the 90+6th minute.
Q.3. What was the format of the Intercontinental Cup 2024?
Ans. The tournament followed a round-robin format without a final. Syria emerged as the champion based on superior performance.
Q.4. How did India perform in the tournament?
Ans. India struggled throughout the tournament, finishing with only one point and losing to Syria in the final.
Q.5. Who was India’s head coach during the Intercontinental Cup 2024?
Ans. Manolo Marquez, who recently took over from Igor Stimac, was India’s head coach during the tournament.
