Syria wins Intercontinental Cup in Hyderabad with 3-0 victory over India

Hyderabad: Syria secured the Intercontinental Cup title with a decisive 3-0 win against India at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday, September 8, 2024. This triumph represents Syria’s most significant victory over India in the tournament’s history.

Syria, ranked 93rd globally, controlled the match from the beginning, finishing with six points from two games. In contrast, India, ranked 124th, failed to score in any of its matches.

The scoring began with Syria’s Mahmoud Al Aswad in the 7th minute. After Indian defenders blocked an initial cross, Mahmoud Al Aswad scored on his second attempt, overcoming Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Despite holding the ball for much of the first half, India could not manage to test Syria’s goalkeeper, Elias Hadaya.

In the second half, India made several attacking attempts but was hindered by poor finishing.

India’s tournament started with a goalless draw against Mauritius and ended without scoring, while Syria won both of their matches, defeating Mauritius (2-0) and India (3-0) to claim the title.

The 2024 Intercontinental Cup, the event's fourth edition, was hosted at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad and organised by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). India had won the previous edition with a 2-0 victory over Lebanon in June 2023.

The tournament saw Mahmoud Al-Mawas, Mahmoud Al Aswad, Daleho Irandust, and Pablo Sabbag each finish as top scorers, with one goal apiece.