Caltex Socceroos playoff: Syria’s record in Malaysia

2 min read 25 September 2017

The Caltex Socceroos next assignment to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup begins with an away leg against Syria on neutral soil in Malaysia.

Caltex Socceroos v Syria: get tickets here

Syria have played all their ‘home’ qualification matches in Malaysia so far due to the situation in their war-torn nation.

So how have the 75 ^th -ranked Syrian’s fared in their ‘home away from home’?

We look back at their record in Malaysia in their five group games during the most recent phase of qualifying.

SEPTEMBER STALEMATE

After losing their first group match 1-0 in Uzbekistan, Syria opened their home campaign against Korea Republic at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi, Malaysia last September.

A goal-less draw gained Syria their first point in Group A.

IRAN HELD SCORELESS

Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium was again the venue for the visit of eventual group winners Iran in November.

As with their previous home game, the contest finish in a scoreless draw.

LEAVING IT LATE

Syria changed venue for their remaining home games, playing at Hang Jebat Stadium in Krubong.

The ground switch paid off, with Syria gaining their first home victory of the final group stages in March, beating Uzbekistan 1-0, courtesy of an added-time penalty from Omar Kharbin.

Syria in action during a home qualifier in Malaysia.

ADDED TIME EQUALISER

Syria were back in Krubong in June for a clash with China.

Syria make it difficult for opponents: Iran boss

An early penalty from Mahmoud Al Mawas gave them a 1-0 lead, but two goals in seven second-half minutes put the visitors ahead.

However, a late strike from Ahmad Al Saleh earned the Syrians a vital point.

FINISHING WITH A FLOURISH

Syria's final home group game, again in Krubong, was against bottom side Qatar in late August.

Omar Kharbin put the home side into an early 1-0 lead, but the Qataris equalised before half-time.

Kharbin restored the advantage early in the second half before an added time goal from Mahmoud Al Mawas gave Syria their most comfortable win of the final group stages.

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