Syrian opposition supporter runs onto the field of play during Syria\'s match against Oman
Syria\'s Asia Cup 2015 qualifying campaign got underway with a 1-0 defeat to Oman at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Muscat on Wednesday.
Off the field, Omani police were forced to intervene after clashes
between supporters for and against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Abdelaziz al-Maqbali scored the only goal of the match to give Paul Le Guen\'s side an early advantage in Group A of the qualifiers.
After dominating the opening half, the Omanis got the goal their performance deserved six minutes before the break when al-Maqbali volleyed home Qasim Saeed\'s cross from the left past Syrian goalkeeper Mossab Balhous.
Saeed went close to doubling Oman\'s lead on the stroke of half time when his effort from the left beat Balhous but Hussein al-Jwayed cleared the ball off the line.
The Omanis chose to sit back and defend their lead in the second half as the Syrians pushed for the equaliser. With 11 minutes to go, Oday al-Jafal went closest to levelling the scores, but his effort went wide of Ali al-Habsi\'s left-hand post.
Before kick-off, stadium officials placed a barrier in the stands to separate pro and anti-Syrian government supporters, fearing that tension caused by the 23-month conflict could spill into the sporting arena.
However, the barrier was not enough to prevent violence, as the two sides clashed with each other after an anti-government supporter broke into the playing field waving the flag of the uprising.
GMT 08:12 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
Ghana looks to convert grassroots rugby into global successGMT 06:23 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
S. Korea's 'Peace Olympics' meet backlash at homeGMT 07:22 2018 Monday ,22 January
Relieved Rafa survives test as Dimitrov ousts KyrgiosGMT 07:05 2018 Monday ,22 January
Lewandowski, Mueller star as Bayern go 16 points clearGMT 09:36 2018 Sunday ,21 January
FedExpress steams on as Sharapova grindsGMT 05:28 2018 Saturday ,20 January
Failed ski resort looms over Pyeongchang Games' legacyGMT 04:58 2018 Saturday ,20 January
Nadal ominous in Melbourne as Dimitrov gets back on trackGMT 07:23 2018 Friday ,19 January
Djokovic survives brutal Melbourne heat testMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor