Kuwait City: Syria's bid to reach AFC U23 Championship Thailand 2020 began in style, as they registered a 2-0 win over Kyrgyz Republic in their opening qualifying fixture on Friday.
SYRIA 2-0 KYRGYZ REPUBLIC
Late goals in each half proved decisive for Syria, whose win gives them a fighting chance of continuing their proud record of never having failed to qualify for the Continental Finals at this age level.
In a competitive battle at Kuwait City's Jaber Al Hamad Stadium, both sides looked for an edge, but it took until the 39th minute for either to find a breakthrough, with Abd Barakat beating Kyrgyz Republic's AFC Asian Cup goalkeeper Kutman Kadyrbekov to make it 1-0 at half-time.
Hoping to reach the Finals for the first time, Kyrgyz Republic looked for a way back into the tie, but it was Syria who put the seal on the match in the fourth minute of second half added time, when substitute Alaa Dali doubled the tally.
Syria's next match will see them lock horns with Group E hosts Kuwait on Sunday, while Kyrgyz Republic must earn points in their match against Jordan if they are to keep their campaign alive.
Source: the-afc.com