India vs Syria, AFC Asian Cup 2023: Three Flops of The Match As Blue Tigers Make Exit

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India once again tasted defeat in their last Group B match against Syria to end their AFC Asian Cup 2023 campaign at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on Tuesday (January 23). We take a look at three of the Indian players, who failed to make their presence felt during the game.

It was a sturdy show by the Indian defense until Omar Khribin's 76th-minute goal gave the Syrians the lead once and for all. However, Indian attack and midfield left a lot to be desired throughout the game with Syrian physicality and pace putting them to the test.

Manvir Singh

Manvir Singh had a silent game starting on the right wing while he was expected to exploit his pace and physicality as the tallest Indian forward. While the likes of Sunil Chhetri, Lallinzuala Chhangte and Naorem Mahesh Singh looked lively early on, Manvir Singh couldn't find a way to impact the game in the final third.

The 28-year-old Mohun Bagan forward, who came into the tournament on the back of a match-winning goal against Kuwait in World Cup qualifiers, failed to show his game as a forward on whom Blue Tigers could rely on in future.

Apuia

Lalengmawia Ralte, popularly known as Apuia, started third game on the go and was expected to be the linkman in the midfield for the backline and forwards to connect. He was entrusted with set-piece duties as well but there was a dearth of quality freekicks into the box by the Mumbai City FC midfielder while Syrians enjoyed an aerial supremacy.

Apuia was mostly bogged down with defensive duties while Naorem Mahesh Singh played ahead of him but the midfielder failed to connect with his teammate ahead while Syrians stranglehold their presence in the midfield to a point, where Indian counter-attacks dried up!

Akash Mishra

Akash Mishra was played as a left midfielder for a change in the game given the primary left-back's ability to send in quality crosses. With Subhasish Bose guarding the flank, Akash Mishra had the freedom to go up and help create chances. However, playing his first AFC Asian Cup, the Mumbai City defender was reminded of the level of football he was playing at as the Syrians shut him out of the game for the majority of the action.