Syria 2-0 Bangladesh

Bangladesh got off on the wrong foot as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Syria in their opening Nehru Cup match at the Ambedker Stadium in New Delhi yesterday.

Syria struck both the goal in the second-half after an evenly competed first 45 minutes where Bangladesh looked a slightly better side.

Sporting green and white shirts, the boys of Nayeemuddin did well to keep the top-ranked side of the five-nation invitational tournament at bay in the first-half with tough marking. Moreover they created two half-chances on the break with first effort of left-back Titu missing the far post. Zahid then drove a 25-yard right-footer just over the bar.

Syria, who had earlier won their two previous meetings with Bangladesh, however quickly showed why they have been tipped as the team to beat in the meet. They put an extra attacker down the left side after the break and it gave them instant result.

Captain Maher Al Sayed opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a swerving right-footer that hit the left-hand corner of Biplob's post.

Zayed Chaabo then struck the second with a left-foot grounder from inside the box.

Bangladesh will take on hosts India tomorrow in their next match.

India won the tournament opener against Cambodia 6-0 on Friday.