Ratings: Gurpreet, Sandesh try in vain as India exit from AFC Asian Cup 2023 after Syria loss

The Blue Tigers failed to score a single goal in AFC Asian Cup 2023.

A highly contested 90-minute match concluded with Syria outplaying Indian football team and securing a 1-0 victory at the Al Bayt Stadium in Doha, Qatar on January 23, 2024.

Although both teams had opportunities on the field, Syria appeared more dominant throughout the game. The first half concluded without either side scoring. In the second half, Omar Khribin, assisted by Ibrahim Hesar in the 76th minute, secured the sole goal of the match, enabling Syria to achieve their first victory of the tournament.

India (By Atawaris Warsi)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – 7

Gurpreet excelled, seizing numerous opportunities, and swiftly collecting loose balls. He safeguarded his goal until the 76th minute, but couldn’t save Khribin’s shot.

Akash Mishra – 5.5

Displayed hesitancy, nervousness, and committed errors at times.

Sandesh Jhingan – 7

Once again proved why he is the best in the defense line for India. Partnered well with Subhasish Bose, but was substituted due to an injury.

Subhasish Bose – 8

A standout for India, blocking numerous Syrian shots and dominating aerial duels with interceptions. He protected the defense line well along with Sandesh Jhingan.

Rahul Bheke – 4

Rahul showed improvement from the last two matches, but his performance could have been better. He should have prevented Omar Khribin’s goal but couldn’t.

Apuia – 5

Linked midfield to attack at times but lacked creativity. Lost possession frequently and faced challenges from Syrian players. Substituted for Thapa.

Deepak Tangri – 5

Tangri partnered effectively with Apuia, showcasing physicality against Syrian players. However, improvement was needed in winning and intercepting Syrian passes.

Mahesh Naorem Singh – 5.5

Mahesh delivered accurate passes but lacked creativity and posed a minimal threat in the final third. Substituted for Udanta Singh.

Lallianzuala Chhangte – 6

His pace posed problems on the flanks, but limited forward balls hindered his impact. Partnered effectively with Mahesh, Sunil Chhetri, and Manvir.

Manvir Singh – 4

He was the weakest player for the Blue Tigers on the pitch. Manvir’s game could have been much better.

Sunil Chhetri – 6

He stood out as India’s best attacking player against Syria. Exploited loose balls, applied pressure on the Syrian defense, and took a few off-target shots.

Substitutes

Nikhil Poojary – 4

Poojary’s positioning was poor against Syria. He appeared clueless after his substitution, lacking impact and direction on the field.

Udanta Singh – 4.5

Lost numerous balls and struggled to connect effectively with the attack. Udanta’s pace also proved less impactful in the game.

Suresh Singh – 4

Suresh entered in the second half but performed poorly in the central defensive area. His ball contributions were notably subpar.

Sahal Abdul Samad – 4

After returning from months of injury, Sahal’s performance wasn’t at its best, but considering his injury, it was commendable.

Anirudh Thapa – 3

His contribution was minimal, offering little to impact the game.

Syria (By Gourav Samal)

Ahmad Madanieh – 7.5

Ahmed adeptly repelled the majority of the attacks in the first half and provided steady guidance to his team throughout the game, displaying no signs of nervousness.

Ampntoul Rachman Oues – 6.5

The player received an unnecessary yellow card in the first half of the match, which could have also warranted a red card. Despite this, he displayed skillful performance on the field.

Aiham Hanz Ousou – 7

Ousou skillfully managed the Indian offensive in the initial period, effectively preventing the forwards from penetrating the box.

Thaer Krouma – 7.5

Krouma demonstrates exceptional man-marking skills, consistently maintaining close coverage of Indian players within his designated zone and displaying unwavering determination in his approach.

Mouaiad Alajaan – 7

Alajaan made some respectable clearances during the match, however, his performance appeared to be subpar compared to the other defenders on the field.

Mahmood Alaswad – 7.5

Alaswad effectively maintained control of the right flank by utilizing precise right crosses and strategically dissecting the defense line.

Jalil Elias – 8

Elias’s adept maneuvering on the field, coupled with his precise short passes near the opponent’s box, proved to be a delight to behold, effectively maintaining a persistent offensive threat from the Syrian team.

Ezequiel Ham – 7

Ezequiel demonstrated exceptional skill as he intercepted the ball and penetrated the Indian defense line, posing a significant threat to the opposing team.

Amar Ramadan – 7.5

Amar built his chances in the matches but couldn’t get the right elevation most of the time to find the back net.

Ibrahim Hesar – 7.5

Ibrahim delivered an outstanding pass into the penalty area, enabling Omar Khrbin to secure the sole goal of the game.

Pablo Sabbag – 7

Pablo performed adequately during his time on the field, but at times, he lacked the necessary momentum, which led to his replacement at the beginning of the second half.

Substitute 

Omar Khribin – 7

Omar substituted Pablo Sabbag at the beginning of the second half, subsequently securing a goal in the 76th minute of the match.

Alaa Al Dali  – 

Alaa Al Dali skillfully participated in an acrobatic game, taking a prominent position on the field ever since he substituted Ammar Ramadan in the 69th minute.

Mohammad Anez – N/A

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