India's quest for a historic knockout round berth in the Asian Cup faced disappointment as they were knocked out of the tournament with a 0-1 defeat to Syria in their last group match on Tuesday.
Substitute Omar Khribin netted the decisive goal in the 76th minute, securing Syria's chance for a spot in the round of 16. This result placed India at the bottom of Group B after losing all three matches without scoring a goal. Talisman Sunil Chhetri's swansong Asian Cup game ended in a sombre note, concluding his illustrious tournament journey.
The 39-year-old Chhetri, who featured in the 2011 and 2019 editions, remains India's highest scorer in the Asian Cup, with four goals to his credit. Unfortunately, India failed to secure a knockout berth, replicating their exit in the 1984, 2011, and 2019 editions.
India's return home signifies another disappointing performance in the continental showpiece, finishing without a point. Under coach Igor Stimac, the team had won one match in the 2019 edition but failed to register any points this time, losing to Australia and Uzbekistan in their earlier group matches.
The opening minutes saw India on the offensive, with Mahesh Naorem and Lallianzuala Chhangte making threatening runs. However, as the match progressed, Syria took control and dominated towards the end of the first half.
Syria's attempts, including a header by Pablo Sabbag and a rebound effort by Ezequiel Ham, were expertly blocked by goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
India's chances were limited, with captain Sunil Chhetri's long-range effort missing the target in the added time of the first half. In the second half, defensive mainstay Sandesh Jhingan's injury forced a substitution, adding to India's challenges. Despite the introduction of Sahal Abdul Samad, Syria continued to press for a goal, eventually breaking the deadlock in the 76th minute.
Ibrahim Hesar's pass found Omar Khribin, who skillfully evaded Rahul Bheke's defence and scored a low shot past Gurpreet. India, desperate for an equaliser, pushed more men upfront but couldn't find the elusive goal.
The defeat marked the end of India's Asian Cup journey, leaving them without a win in the tournament and highlighting the need for introspection and improvement in future campaigns.
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