New Delhi, August 24: A rampaging Syria crushed Sri Lanka 4-0 in their second round-robin match as the West Asians bolstered their favourites tag in the Nehru Cup international football tournament here today.
Syria, who won their campaign-opener against Kyrgyzstan 2-0, led 3-0 during the breather with goals from star striker Mohammad Al Zino (26th), Abdul Razak Al Houssain (33rd) and Abdul Fatah Alaga (37th).
Fatah Alaga (55th) struck another in the second half to give his side their second successive win in the tournament at the floodlit Ambedkar Stadium.
Syria now have six points from two matches and are in a strong position to make it to the final of the five-nation tournament. Even a draw from their remaining two round-robin matches may ensure them a berth in the final.
The Lankans, who stunned Lebanon 4-3 in their opening match, were brought down to earth as they were completely outplayed by their physically as well as technically superior opponents, who are much higher in FIFA rankings at 95th (against Sri Lanka’s 156th).
As early as 15th minute Fatah Alaga’s shot from top of the box hit the right corner of Sri Lankan goal and went out of play. .
—PTI