India beat Syria 1-0 in AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers opener

India began their AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign with a 1-0 win over Syria in Tashkent. Shami Singamayum scored in the 86th minute as Mahesh Gawali’s side secured a fifth consecutive clean sheet

Hyderabad: India made a scintillating start to their AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign, defeating Syria 1-0 at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Monday.

Shami Singamayum scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute, finishing a fine move involving substitute Md Arbash to hand the Blue Colts a winning start to their Group B campaign. It marked India’s first-ever competitive win over Syria at the U19/U20 level.

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India had to withstand sustained Syrian pressure for much of the contest but never wavered. Mahesh Gawali’s side dropped deep, soaked up the pressure and displayed impressive defensive organisation to record another clean sheet — their fifth in succession following four shutouts in their pre-qualifier friendlies.