By IANS
New Delhi : Syria, who have already qualified for the final of the Nehru Cup international football tournament Saturday toyed with Cambodia 5-1 in their last round robin league match.
Syria captain Maher Al Sayad, who came in as a replacement in the second half, scored a brace (50th, 86th), while Zyad Chaabo (35th), Aatef Jenyat (88th) and Mohammed Alzeno (25th) struck once each to add to the tally at the Ambedkar Stadium here. Teab Vathanak scored the consolation goal for Cambodia in the 66th minute, thanks to a lapse by the Syrian defenders.
The Cambodians looked like a tired lot and the Syrians had a field day against the south east Asian team. It was the second big loss for Cambodia in the tournament after they received a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of hosts India in the opening match of the tournament.
Syria fielded their second team in the match, and for the players it was a rehearsal for the title clash slated for Wednesday.
“It was an experiment for us and we were rotating the players. We utilised all our resources against Cambodia and are happy with the result,” said Syrian coach Fajer Ibrahim after the match.
Cambodia coach Scott O’Donell said that he was happy with the team’s overall performance in the tournament but not satisfied with the finishing.
“This was a good tournament for us and we learnt a lot from it. We have to play more international tournaments like this if we want to improve the standard of the game in our country,” said O’Donell.
TEAMS:
Syria: Mohammed Redwan Al Azhar (goalkeeper), Anas Al Asaf, Adeb Barakat, Abraheim Al Hasan, Mohammed Alzeno, Mahmoud Al Amena (Aatef Jenyat, 67), Mootasem Alaya (Feras Esmaeel, 46), Zeen Alabeden Fandi, Ali Alrifaai, Majid Aldden Homsi, Zyad Chaabo (Maher Al Sayad, 46)
Cambodia: Pich Rovenyothin (goalkeeper), Chan Dara (Om Thavrak, 83), Kim Chan Bonrith, Thul Southearith, Sun Thoun, Chan Rithy, Sam El Nasa, Teab Vathanak, Sam Minar (Keo Kosal, 46), Hok Sotitya (Khim Borey, 68), Pok Chan Than
Referee: Perera Hetti Kamkanamge (Sri Lanka)