India Edge Syria 1-0 in AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers Opener

India made a winning start to their AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign, edging Syria 1-0 after a late strike from Shami Singamayum at the Do'stlik Stadium in Tashkent on Monday.

Singamayum scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute, completing a move involving substitute Md Arbash to hand the Blue Colts all three points in their Group B opener. The result also marked India's first-ever competitive victory over Syria at the U19/U20 level.

India were forced to withstand sustained pressure for much of the match, with Syria creating several dangerous opportunities. Goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam produced important saves to keep the scores level, while the Indian defence remained disciplined under pressure.

Syria came close before half-time when captain Belal Almooslee headed narrowly over the crossbar. The pressure continued after the break, with Mahmoud Alhasan and Ahmad Khalaf both going close. Khalaf's header in the 73rd minute struck the crossbar, giving India a major reprieve.

Head coach Mahesh Gawali then turned to his bench, introducing Arbash, Prashan Jajo and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam in the 79th minute, followed by Omang Dodum four minutes later. The substitutions injected fresh energy into the Indian attack.

The breakthrough arrived seven minutes after Arbash entered the field. After Alhasan slipped while dealing with a forward ball, Arbash pounced on the loose ball and cut it back for Singamayum, who had continued his run into the penalty area. With time and space available, the forward calmly fired a left-footed finish into the net.

India held firm during the closing stages to protect their narrow lead and secure another clean sheet, their fifth in succession, following four shutouts in pre-qualifier friendlies.

The Blue Colts will next face Uzbekistan on September 3 as they look to build on their impressive opening victory.