India U-20 beat Syria 1-0 in AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifier in Tashkent

India U-20 defeated Syria U-20 1-0 at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Monday, August 31, 2026, in their opening match of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. Shami provided the decisive goal in the 86th minute to secure the victory for the Blue Colts.

Both sides struggled to establish rhythm in the first half and the scoreline was 0-0 at the interval. Syria raised their tempo after the break and fashioned several chances, but Indian goalkeeper Suraj made a number of saves that kept India in the contest. Observers noted India appeared rusty despite having ample time to prepare for the qualifiers and created little impact for long periods.

Until late in the game only Danny and goalkeeper Suraj were singled out as having performed well for India; several other starters, including the fullbacks, failed to influence the match. Forward Hateem Ali looked disoriented in attack, with the report noting he joined the camp during this window and had not played previously with this group.

Head coach Mahesh Gawali did not make any substitutions until about the 80th minute while Syria had already made changes, a delay that drew criticism in the coverage. The match shifted noticeably after the 80th-minute changes, with India’s attacking play gaining energy once the fresh substitutes entered.

The substitutes named Omang Dodum, Gunleiba and Md Arbash were credited with an immediate impact on Syria’s defence. The move that led to the winner began with Omang Dodum and culminated in an assist from Md Arbash for Shami’s 86th-minute strike.

Minutes after the winner, Omang Dodum delivered a looping pass to Gunleiba, who converted, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Coverage described the offside decision as controversial: it initially looked a 50-50 call, replay visuals appeared to show Gunleiba kept onside by the last Syrian defender, the elevated camera angle made conclusive judgment difficult, the linesman on the ground may have viewed the position differently, and Gunleiba’s forward-leaning body posture at the moment the ball was played may have influenced the call.

India are in Group B alongside Uzbekistan, Syria and Bangladesh, with Mahesh Gawali as head coach. The Blue Colts will next face Uzbekistan on September 3.