Yun Jong-su takes responsibility for defeat; Fajer Ebrahim happy with win

The Syrian team went on top of the table in the Hero Intercontinental cup after a convincing win against North Korea.

Braces from Shadi Hamwi and Mohammad Almarmour sealed the match for a young Syrian side against the spirited North Koreans at the EKA Arena in the ongoing Hero Inter Continental cup in Ahmedabad. The game also saw Syrian coach Fajer Ebrahim handling out seven debuts for the national team.

Speaking to the media after the game North Korean coach Yun Jong-su took responsibility for the loss and said, “I take full responsibility of this loss as a coach. We let in too many goals. In the first half it was all square, but in the second half they scored four. We were not aware of the Syrian team's counter-attacking possibilities and we paid for it. In the next match, we will improve our game against India.”

When questioned about whether the performance of the two goalkeepers was the difference in the game, he gave his verdict by answering,” My goalkeeper isn’t the best in the world. He can make mistakes and that’s common in football.” He also praised the Syrian custodian and added, “Some of his saves were really good and he had a good game.”

The Syrian coach Ebrahim was ecstatic about the performance of his players and lauded his debutants by saying, “I congratulate my team, my players because most of them played first time in the national team and a special mention to Shadi who netted the ball twice on his debut. It is great for him, great for the future of Syrian football.”

He also lauded his goalkeeper Ibrahim Alma’s performance by saying, “His performance made a difference for sure in this game. You know, some experienced player makes difference in the team. Today, we needed experience and he stepped up.”

When asked if he was surprised when the Korean team scored early in the game he agreed and said, “I was really surprised, but I told my boys to be organized and today Shadi and Mohammad stepped up in front of the goal.”

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He also was hopeful about the future of Syrian football and opined, “We have a bunch of talented youngsters and experienced players who play in Europe. So, I think great days lie in Syrian football.”