AFC U23 Championship. The Contenders: Syria

Published on: 21 December 2015

With January’s AFC U23 Championship edging ever closer, join the-afc.com as we continue our look at the teams who will be vying for honours in Qatar, at a tournament that also doubles as the qualifiers for the men’s football tournament at the 2016 Olympic Games.

SYRIA

It was a straightforward route to the AFC U-23 Championship for Syria as they comfortably finished top of Group E in qualifying.

After breezing past group hosts Bangladesh 4-0, they beat India by the same scoreline before edging Uzbekistan 2-1 to complete a perfect run in Dhaka.

In prolific striker Omar Kharbin, they have a player who will pose a threat to any defence at the tournament.

The 21-year-old (pictured) was the top scorer in the qualifiers with six goals and is already a key player for Syria’s senior team, while Mahmoud Al Mawas, a veteran of four AFC Cup campaigns, the most recent of which was in 2013 with Bahrain side Riffa, is another with plenty of experience despite his relative youth.

Apart from duo, left-back Mouaiad Al Ajjan and forward Nassouh Nakkdahli will also be looking to play pivotal roles if given the nod.

The Syrians did impress in the inaugural edition back in January 2014, when it was known as the AFC U-22 Championship, with Nakkdahli scoring the match winner in two successive matches as the West Asians topped Group B to advance to the knockout phase, where they were beaten 2-1 by Korea Republic in the quarter-finals.

Syria’s Group A Fixtures

January 12: Syria v Iran (Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha)

January 15: Syria v China (Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha)

January 18: Syria v Qatar (Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Doha)

Photo: AFP

Source: the-afc.com

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more