Syria Dominates as India's Dreams Shattered in Intercontinental Cup

India's hopes of claiming the Intercontinental Cup for a third time were crushed following a 0-3 defeat to Syria. With goals from Mahmoud Al Aswad and Daleho Mohsen Irandust, Syria showcased their dominance. Indian head coach Manolo Marquez's tenure started on a disappointing note.

India's aspirations for a third Intercontinental Cup title were dashed on Monday as they faced a resounding 0-3 defeat to Syria in the final league match of the three-nation tournament.

Syrian players Mahmoud Al Aswad and Daleho Mohsen Irandust scored in the seventh and 77th minutes respectively, leaving the home crowd heartbroken at the GMC Balayogi Athletics Stadium. A final-minute strike by Pablo Sabbag underlined Syria's supremacy throughout the match.

This result marks a disappointing start for India's new head coach, Manolo Marquez, who took over from Igor Stimac in July. Syria, having earlier defeated Mauritius 2-0, topped the league stage with six points, whereas India and Mauritius ended their campaign with a point each after a goalless draw. This victory is particularly significant for Syria, as it is their first-ever title on Indian soil.