Intercontinental Cup 2019: India End Campaign With 1-1 Draw With Syria | Highlights

Indian football team ended its 2019 Intercontinental Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Syria in Ahmedabad on July 16. The result, though no an outright victory, will give some semblance of consolation for Igor Stimac's men after two back-to-back losses in the tournament. It was, however, a disappointing night for Syria, the top ranked team in the world. The result saw them crash out of the tournament, finishing third in the four-team standings. (Get highlights and analysis of the India vs Syria Intercontinental Cup match below) ​

The hero of the match for India was Narender Gahlot. The young defender gave India the lead in the 52nd minute, capping off a passage of play that saw India dominate the proceedings a wee bit. But Syria soon started pressing, and got their equaliser via a penalty. Jerry Mawihmingthanga's late challenge in the box resulted in the referee pointing to the spot and Syrian skipper Firas al Khatib converted it.

Despite a new look defence and another host of changes by Stimac, this time there seemed to be more cohesion within the XI, which played out a tough 1-1 draw.

India went into halftime locked goalless despite Syria dominating the proceedings with more possession and 10 shots to India’s one. The second half though was a hugely different performance from India. They came out invigorated and Narender Gahlot’s opener via a perfectly placed header in the 52nd minute really opened up the game. 

While the tournament may not have been about searching for results as much as about searching for players and an efficient playing system, this result is important not just for the team’s confidence but also for Stimac himself.

The next time you may see India will be at the World Cup qualifiers, the draw for which happens tomorrow in Kuala Lumpur. Keep your fingers crossed. 

For now, rejoice, India have a point from their home tournament. And a performance that was worth a few more.