In a pivotal Intercontinental Cup 2024 clash held in Hyderabad, India trails 0-1 against Syria, with Mahmoud Al Aswad scoring the lone goal in the seventh minute. This match is crucial for India, who are aiming for their second consecutive title and third overall in the tournament. New coach Manolo Marquez, who is managing his second game for the team, faces a significant challenge against the 93rd-ranked Syria.

India's performance in the tournament has been underwhelming so far, having only managed a goalless draw against Mauritius in their opening match. With Syria coming off a 2-0 victory over Mauritius, they hold an advantageous position in the group, intensifying the pressure on India to secure a win to advance.

The stakes are high as India seeks to bounce back from this early deficit. The team must rally in the second half to turn the game around and keep their hopes of winning the Intercontinental Cup alive. The outcome of this match will be critical in determining their progress in the tournament and their ability to defend their title.