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       AL AHSA: Pakistan showed grit and determination but ultimately it wasn’t enough to keep out Syria.

       Stephen Constantine’s men fell to a 2-0 loss to the much-fancied Syrians in their Group ‘E’ opener in the final round of qualifiers for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup at the Prince Abdullah Bin Jalawi Stadium on Tuesday night; the result leaving them bottom of a section that also has Afghanistan and Myanmar.

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       Only the group winner advances to the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in two years’ time and the victory put Syria in pole position to qualify for their third consecutive appearance at the continental showpiece. They lead the group on goal difference from Afghanistan, who beat Myanmar 2-1 earlier in the day.

       Syria started strongly in the game played in neutral Saudi Arabia, pushing Pakistan back and took the lead in the 23rd minute when Amar Ramadan’s pinpoint corner kick was nodded in by defender Ahmed Faqa.

       Pakistan tried to get back into the game but failed to create decent chances and Syria got their second in the 56th through Saudi Pro League’s all-time top-scorer Omar Al Somah; the Al-Orobah striker putting the ball into the back of the net after a goalmouth scramble.

       Constantine sent on fresh legs to get a foothold back into the game but Syria easily held on. His side will look to bounce back when they meet Myanmar while Syria face Afghanistan, with both matches to be contested on June 10.

       Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2025