Afghanistan Loses 5-1 to Syria in 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers Return Leg

Afghanistan lost 5-1 to Syria in the return leg of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Saudi Arabia.

The first half ended 1-1 after Syria took the lead in the 5th minute through Mohammad Al-Salkhadi. Afghanistan equalized in the 23rd minute with a long-range shot from Alireza Panahi. Afghanistan goalkeeper Kiwaan Metqiyan saved a penalty during the first half.

Syria dominated the second half, with Mohammad Al-Halq scoring in the 56th minute, Mohammad Al-Mostafa netting twice in the 58th and 82nd minutes, and Mohammad Al-Aswad adding a late goal in the 90+3rd minute.

Syria finished atop the group with a perfect 6-0-0 record, 18 points, 21 goals scored and 2 conceded. Afghanistan placed third with 2 points from two draws and four losses, recording a 4-11 goal difference. Myanmar secured second place with 12 points after defeating Pakistan 2-1.