Syria U-20 0-1 India U-20: Key takeaways from AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers
Shami scored the winning goal for India against Syria.
India made a positive start to their AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign, defeating Syria 1-0 at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The Blue Colts looked rusty for most part of the game as they struggled to create any impact in the game. In the first half, both Syria and India looked out of place with the half ending 0-0. However, Syria increased their intent in the second half and even came close multiple times. However, Indian goalkeeper Suraj made sure that India stays in the game and denied the chances created by Syria.
India started looking alive once the substitutes came on in the 80th minute mark. With patterns of attack, India finally managed to break the deadlock in the 86th minute courtesy of a goal from Shami.
In this article, we will take a look at the key takeaways from this match.
India looked rusty throughout the match
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Despite India managing to get a positive result against Syria, they looked very rusty throughout the match. The Blue Colts were visibly looking very out of touch despite getting ample amount of time to prepare for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
It was visible that the coaching staff did not make things very clear to the team as they looked all over the place and were even playing too casually at instances.
Before the substitutions were made very late in the second half, only Danny and Suraj looked good for the Blue Colts, apart from them everyone struggled to create any impact especially India’s fullbacks.
Hateem Ali also seemed very disoriented up front and struggled to make any chemistry with his teammates, maybe because he joined the camp just during this window and did not have any prior playing experience of this bunch of players.
But there is still room and chance for improvement for the Blue Colts before going on to face Uzbekistan next, and Mahesh Gawali must make sure that the team gels in well because if India looks this disoriented against Uzbekistan, they will run riot against the Blue Colts.
Fresh legs changed the game
It was very shocking to see that Mahesh Gawali did not make any substitutions till the late second half around the 80th minute. It was visible that the players were struggling and even the Syrian team made substitutions, that is exactly why the decision from Mahesh Gawali is questionable.
However, as soon as he brought on changes at the 80th minute mark, the match suddenly changed. The fresh legs injected fresh energy to India’s attack. Players like Omang Dodum, Gunleiba and Md Arbash made an instant impact in the game tormenting Syria’s defensive line.
The goal scored by Shami was a byproduct of these substitute players, as Omang Dodum first started the attack with Arbash providing the assist for Shami’s 86th minute winner.
And just minutes after the first goal, India scored again courtesy of a beautiful looping ball from Omang Dodum to find Gunleiba who slotted it home. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, but it was clearly evident that the substitutes off the bench absolutely turned the game around.
A controversial offside call
India’s attack became alive after the changes made in the 80th minute mark with the Blue Colts scoring back-to-back goals after that. However, the second goal scored by Gunleiba was ruled out for an offside.
But it wasn’t that simple! Initially, it looked like a 50-50 call. However, the replay appeared to show that Gunleiba was kept onside by the last Syrian defender, at least from the available visuals.
But if we look at it from a different perspective, it may have been an offside because for the viewers the camera was placed on an elevated angle, making it difficult to conclusively determine the exact position of the players. And from the linesman’s view on the ground, Gunleiba may well have been on an offside position.
One thing that may have played a role in the offside call is the body posture of Gunleiba, as he seemed to be inclined forward while the ball was played.
Nothing can be concluded but it was for sure a controversial offside call.
Which group are India placed in AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers?
India are placed in Group B alongside Uzbekistan, Syria and Bangladesh.
Who is the head coach of India U-20 men’s football team?
Mahesh Gawali is the head coach of India U-20 men’s football team.
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