Syria won the 4th Intercontinental Cup Men’s Football Tournament by defeating India 3-0 in the final round-robin match. The tournament took place at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana, from September 3-9, 2024. The victory gave Syria their first Intercontinental Cup title. India’s defending champions failed to score any goals in the tournament.
Telangana’s Chief Minister, K. Chandrashekhar Rao, presented the trophy to Syrian captain Mahmoud Al-Mawas. Al-Mawas also received the Syed Abdul Rahim Best Player award for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament.
Tournament Format and Teams
Three teams competed in the tournament: Syria, India, and Mauritius. The tournament followed a round-robin format, where each team played against the others once. Syria, ranked 93rd in the FIFA rankings, was the highest-ranked team, followed by India (ranked 124th) and Mauritius (ranked 179th).
Syria dominated the tournament, winning 2-0 against Mauritius and 3-0 against India, securing their title. India drew 0-0 against Mauritius, finishing without a win under new head coach Manolo Marquez.
Background and Impact
The Intercontinental Cup was created by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) as a replacement for the Nehru Cup. The tournament typically hosts four countries, but in 2024, only three teams participated.
The loss is a setback for Indian football, especially with the introduction of a new coach. Internationally, Syria’s victory strengthens their football presence, boosting confidence ahead of future global competitions.
| Edition | Year | Venue | Participating Countries | Winner |
| 1 | 2018 | Mumbai, Maharashtra | India, Kenya, New Zealand, Chinese Taipei | India |
| 2 | 2019 | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | India, Tajikistan, North Korea, Syria | North Korea |
| 3 | 2023 | Bhubaneswar, Odisha | India, Mongolia, Vanuatu, Lebanon | India |
| 4 | 2024 | Hyderabad, Telangana | India, Syria, Mauritius | Syria |
Key Moments India Vs. Syria’s Intercontinental Cup
- Syria’s unbeaten run in the tournament.
- Mahmoud Al-Mawas winning both the championship and the Best Player award.
- India’s inability to score any goals.
- The tournament was held in Hyderabad, adding significance to the location for Indian football fans.
Syria won the 4th Intercontinental Cup Men’s Football Tournament.
The tournament was held at GMC Balayogi Stadium in Gachibowli, Hyderabad.
Three teams: India, Syria, and Mauritius.
It replaced the Nehru Cup.
Manolo Marquez is the current head coach.
