Manolo Marquez recognised the need for changes in the starting line-up he adopted against Mauritius in the side\u2019s first game and made seven changes to the team. Only Rahul Bheke, Jeakson Singh, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Manvir Singh were retained for the game against Syria.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The fans present at the Gachibowli Stadium did not have to wait long for an opening goal as Mahmoud Alaswad gave Syria the lead in the seventh minute of the game. His initial attempt of getting a goal was blocked but the rebound fell to Alaswad who made no mistake in lobbing the ball into the back of the net.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s trouble had only just begun as Syria gained control of the game from thereon and were almost punished minutes later but a solid save from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu kept Syria at bay.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite India playing on the back foot for most of the first half, the side almost fashioned an opening in the two added minutes of stoppage time in the first half.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sahal Abdul Samad drove a low shot at goal, but the goalkeeper made a superb save. A multitude of chances followed with Nikhil Poojary getting the ball with enough space to take a shot. However, his attempt was blocked and India went into half-time with a one-goal deficit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s start to the second half was much better with Manolo introducing Apuia for Suresh Wangjam in central midfield, and Asish Rai for Poojary at right-back. Another interesting change was the switch of flanks which saw Chhangte occupy the left wing instead of his usual position.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India pressed and created a nervy situation for Syria in the second half until Syria\u2019s midfielder Daleho Irandust slotted in a low-driven shot at his near post which should have been saved by Gurpreet but the ball snuck past and doubled Syria\u2019s lead in the 77th minute.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Both Chhangte and Colaco struck the crossbar in the final five minutes of the game but could not breach the opposition's goal. Syria\u2019s Pablo Sabbag put the final nail in the coffin with a goal in the stoppage time to put the game to bed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India pressed and created a nervy situation for Syria in the second half until Syria\u2019s midfielder Daleho Irandust slotted in a low-driven shot at his near post which should have been saved by Gurpreet but the ball snuck past and doubled Syria\u2019s lead in the 77th minute.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Funding For Test Cricket<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n