Hyderabad: Syria secured the Intercontinental Cup in commanding style with a 3-0 triumph over India at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Monday. Goals from Mahmoud Alaswad, Daleho Mohsen Irandust, and Pablo David Sabbag delivered a resounding victory, dampening the start of Manolo Marquez’s tenure as India’s head coach.
India needed a win to claim the trophy, but Syria took control early. Just seven minutes into the match, Mahmoud Alaswad capitalized on a defensive miscommunication between the Indian defenders and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, slipping the ball into the net and putting Syria ahead
Syria dominated the early stages of the match, constantly pressuring India’s defense. Moments after their opening goal, forward Aldin Yasin Dali nearly doubled the lead with a powerful shot from outside the box that rattled the post. India struggled to cope with Syria’s high-intensity play and fluid movement. In the 20th minute, Noah Leon Shamoun had a prime chance to extend the lead, but his one-on-one effort was denied by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu following a brilliant through ball from Daleho Mohsen Irandust.
India’s first notable chance came in the 28th minute when left-back Subhasish Bose crossed to Lallianzuala Chhangte, but the winger’s header went wide. Despite flashes of attacking intent, India found it difficult to break through Syria’s sturdy defense, anchored by Emiliano Javier Amor and Thaer Krouma, who effectively nullified India’s forward movements.
Syria continued to test Sandhu with multiple shots, exploiting space on the right flank. India, however, showed signs of resilience toward the end of the first half. Gurpreet’s long passes helped Manvir Singh create some chances, while Nandha Kumar’s speed on the left wing posed problems for Syria’s backline. Manvir came close to scoring before halftime, but Syrian goalkeeper Eias Hadaya made a crucial save to keep the score at 1-0.
At the start of the second half, India head coach Manolo Marquez introduced Asish Rai and midfielder Lalengmawia to inject energy into the attack. The substitutions had an immediate impact, as India won several corners and built momentum. Chhangte and Nandha swapped flanks, and in the 55th minute, Sahal Abdul Samad made a brilliant solo run, setting up Chhangte, whose shot was blocked by Hadaya. With growing urgency, India pushed forward as the crowd rallied behind them.
Despite India’s efforts, Syria doubled their lead in the 76th minute when Irandust made a well-timed run into the box and calmly finished after India’s defense was caught out of position. The goal dampened the home crowd’s spirits and effectively ended India’s hopes of a comeback.
India continued to press for a goal, but Syrian goalkeeper Hadaya stood tall, making key saves to maintain his clean sheet. In the 90+6 minute, Pablo Sabbag struck Syria’s third goal, sealing a 3-0 victory and the Intercontinental Cup title.
