Syria coach Kifork Mardakayan was relieved to see his side edge Indonesia 2-1 in their AFC U-16 Championship opener.TASHKENT: SYR 2-1 IDN - Coach Kifork Mardakyan was relieved after Syria came through their AFC U-16 Championship opener against Indonesia with all three points after recording a 2-1 win on Saturday.
Substitute Mohammad Ali, who had only been on the field at MHSK Stadium for a minute, headed home Mohamad Bashbauk’s free-kick five minutes after the hour mark to secure a winning start for Syria, who joined fellow opening day winners Korea Republic at the top of Group B.
“The first match in any tournament is always the difficult one as the players are nervous. We had to get the three points and we have achieved our goal,” said Mardakyan.
“It is always important to get the three points in the first game as this is an important first step in any competition.”
Syria qualified for the championships with a 100% record and took a 25th minute lead in the tight contest as Rabie Jmhaa rose unmarked at the far post to head home Bashbauk’s cross after Indonesia goalkeeper Beny Yoewanto could only turn away Hameed Medo’s low shot from the edge of the area.
But they were pegged back eight minutes before the break as Mario Vava’s far post volley from Agamal Fahreza’s deep free-kick crept over the line past a host of Syrian defenders on the line.
But Mardakyan’s substitution paid off as Ali stepped off the bench to secure all three points and send Syria into Monday’s meeting with India full of confidence.
“Our team can do better,” added Mardakyan.
“Our preparations were not as good as we wished. We did not play as many friendly matches as we would have liked.
"The schools have also just started which made it difficult, but I am sure we can play better and improve as the tournament goes on.”
Despite the setback, Indonesia coach Mundari Karya was pleased with his side’s display but is hoping for a more clinical touch in front of goal in Monday’s meeting with Korea.
“We are satisfied because the players did what we wanted,” he said.
“The age of our squad is very young, the average is under 15, and that lack of experience showed as we wasted several opportunities.
“We tried to defend strongly and attack on the counterattack, the boys worked to the plan, but we missed chances.”
Source:The AFC.com
