Shillong, Jan 25: The India U-20 men’s team lost 6-1 to Syria in the first match of the Mandiri U20 Challenge Series in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, on Friday.
Lining up with nine U-17 players, India struggled to match the speed and physicality of the more experienced Syrian side.
Manbhakupar Malngiang scored the lone consolation goal in the 64th minute, a well-crafted goal that the Blue Colts can take heart from. The scorers for Syria were Anas Hussam Dahhan (4′, 45’+2), Majd Manaf Ramadan (15′), Hassan Abdulaziz Al Mahmoud (37′) and Homam Mahmoud (49′, 63′).
India’s only goal of the match arrived via the right boot of Manbhakupar as a result of a combined effort from the front three. It all started near the left touchline as Samson released striker Bharat Lairenjam, who had drifted wide towards the flank. He meticulously hooked a ball across the face of the goal for Malngiang, who side footed a first-time shot into the net to ensure India didn’t come out empty-handed.
There could’ve been another a few minutes later when substitute Laishram Danny Meitei’s curling free-kick was headed towards the far post by Bharat but Amr Mohamad Tahseen Sweidan dished out a solid save at full stretch to deny the India striker.
India will face Jordan in their second match on 27th January.
(File photo of Manbhakupar Malngiang)