Intercontinental Cup 2024: Syria beats helpless India 3-0 to win the title

Syria won the 2024 Intercontinental Cup with a 3-0 victory over India at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday, September 9. Goals from Mahmoud Al Aswad in the 7th minute, Daleho Irandust in the 76th minute and Sabbag just before the end of injury time were enough for Syria to secure the title and end Manolo Marquez's first stint as India coach on a bitter note.

Syria had a much changed team that day as they needed a draw to secure the trophy while India needed to win the match. In the first few minutes of the match, India attempted a lot of forward passes which were either intercepted or missed. Syria then took the lead as there was absolute chaos in the box in the 7th minute. The Indian defence failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to the feet of Mahmoud Al Aswad who made no mistakes and gave his team the lead.

Syria almost doubled their lead a few minutes later when Alaa Aldin's powerful shot hit the post. The visitors were clearly dominating the game at this point, while Manolo and India were looking for answers.

In the 12th minute, Gurpreet Singh had to step in as another attack from the right caused major problems for the Indian defence. A few minutes later, India managed to overcome the pressure from the Syrian side and launched an attack where Nandha almost got through after a great pass from Manvir.

Syria once again broke through the Indian defence and Alaa Aldin was one-on-one with Gurpreet. However, the Syrian striker's shot went wide, drawing a huge sigh of relief from the Indian fans.

India created a few chances on the left flank when Subhashish sent a cross into the box which Chhangte headed over the goal.

In the 35th minute, Syria almost doubled their lead before Gurpreet made a crucial save. Al Aswad sent in a sharp cross that found Alaa Aldin and almost cleared the line before the Indian goalkeeper could bring it to safety and Poojary cleared the lines.

India ended the half strongly as Sahal fired the hosts' first shot on goal but it was saved by Elias. Suresh played in Nikhil whose shot was blocked and India were able to win a free kick.

The ball from the set piece reached Anwar, but he was unable to control the ball, so a goal kick was taken and the referee blew the whistle for half time.

India brought on Apuia Ralte and Asish Rai to replace Suresh Wangjam and Nikhil Poojary at the start of the second half. They were given a couple of corners early in the half as the half-time talk seemed to be working for the hosts.

India were once again in a good position when Sahal played Chhangte free, but his shot was stopped by the Syrian goalkeeper. In the 60th minute, Sahal, who had been India's best player up to that point, smashed in a dangerous ball on the turn that put the Syrian defence under pressure.

Chhangte's shot was then stopped by the defence. He had another great chance in the 68th minute when an errant shot from Nandha narrowly missed the Indian attacker.

Almost against the run of play, Syria launched an attack that doubled their lead in the 77th minute and seemingly put the game out of reach for India. Irandust simply ran into the box as Anwar Ali dropped back and his shot went under Gurpreet and into the net.

India remained positive in the last few minutes of normal time as Edmund forced Elias into an incredible save. From the resulting corner, Mahesh's shot was blocked and then Chhangte's effort hit the bar.

Liston then surprised Elias with a stunning effort from outside the box that hit the crossbar and almost went into the net, but the game was decided by Sabbag who sealed the victory.