THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Syria score five goals past DPR Korea in emphatic win

Hero Intercontinental Cup

Syria came from a goal down to defeat DPR Korea 5-2 in the second match of the Hero Intercontinental Cup at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad today (July 08, 2019).

A brace by Shadi Hamwi and Mohammad, and a late strike by Firas led Syria to an easy win over DPR Korea, despite their opponents finding the net through Jong and Ri Jin.

An early goal by DPR Korea in the 3rd minute through Jong gave them much needed breathing space to dominate possession in the opening minutes of the match. But Shadi Hamwi’s 41st minute strike levelled proceedings as both team went into the tunnel on level pegging at half-time with the scoreline reading 1-1. Syria could have taken the lead prior to half-time but uncanny finishing infront of goal cost the team the lead.

Not one for reeling, Syria came back stronger in the second half and blasted three goals in quick successions to put DPR Korea against the wall. Mohammad scored beautifully in the 56th minute tapping home from inside the box to give Syria the lead and Shadi Hamwi’s 61st minute strike put space between Syria and DPR Korea. Mohammad burst once again onto the scene and found the net in the 65th minute to make the scoreline read 4-1.

DPR Korea stunned Syria through a long range effort in the 78th minute when Ri Jin pulled a goal back to make the scoreline read 4-2. Firas added more gloss to the scoreline for Syria and scored in the dying embers of the match to make the full-time scoreline read 5-2.

(AIFF Media)