Syria (in red) edged Indonesia 2-1 in their Group B openerTASHKENT – Substitute Mohammad Ali scored with virtually his first touch to hand Syria a 2-1 win against Indonesia in their AFC U-16 Championship Group B opener on Saturday.
Only a minute after coming on as a second half substitute, Ali headed home five minutes after the hour mark to help Syria join Korea Republic, who earlier eased to a 5-2 win over India, at the top of Group B on the opening day of the tournament in the Uzbekistan capital.
Rabie Jmhaa’s 25th minute header had sent Syria, who qualified for the championships with a 100% record, on their way until Mario Vava pulled Indonesia level before the break.
Chances were limited in the opening exchanges at the MHSK Stadium until Indonesia goalkeeper Beny Yoewanto was called into real action after 17 minutes to push away Mahmoud Al Maowas’ strike from the edge of the area before the custodian turned away Hameed Medo’s low strike.
But after Yoewanto failed to hold onto Medo’s 25th minute effort, the ball broke into space on the right and collected by Mohamad Bashbauk, who crossed to the far post for Jmhaa to rise unmarked and head home.
Syria’s lead did not last until the break as Agamal Fahreza’s 37th minute right-wing corner was met at the far post by Vava, and despite the cushioned volley lacking power and a host of defenders on the line, the ball found its way through to nestle in the bottom corner.
Four minutes before the break Jmhaa’s quick feet created himself space on the edge of the area but, with Beny rooted to the spot, his effort struck the upright.
Yoewanto was called into action to turn Fuaad Al Sliman’s cross over the bar as it looked to be sneaking in at the front post moments later.
Much like the first half, the second period was mainly consigned to the midfield with neither goalkeeper called into action.
But six minutes after the hour mark, and just after replacing Medo, Ali met Bashbauk’s deep free-kick from the right to head over Yoewanto to regain the lead for Syria.
With just over a minute remaining Indonesia’s Hendra Adi Bayauw broke down the Syria left, but after being forced wide, could only fire into the side netting.
Source:The AFC.com
