SINGAPORE – The Lions’ unbeaten run at the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers came to an end early this morning (Sept 4), after a 1-0 loss to Syria - ranked world No 121 - at the Sultan Qaboos Stadium in Oman.

While both teams started the match cautiously, it was world No 157 Singapore who settled in quicker and looked the more dangerous team in the first half with a number of shots on goal.

Lions striker Khairul Amri was left to rue a couple of missed chances in the first half, particularly in the 21st minute, as the 30-year-old’s shot from 5m out beat Syrian goalkeeper Ibrahim Almeh, only to hit the side netting.

Another chance came just seven minutes later for Khairul Amri as he found himself in a one-on-one situation with Ibrahim, but the forward was left frustrated yet again after failing to convert the opportunity.

Syria put the ball at the back of the net via Mahmoud Al Mawas at the stroke of half-time, but the referee disallowed it as the ball was already ruled out of play before it reached Al Mawas.

Despite a spirited display from the Lions in the second half, it was down to an unmarked Ouday Abduljaffal to break the deadlock in the 59th minute. Latching onto a pass from teammate Sanharib Malki, the midfielder promptly headed the ball past Lions custodian Izwan Mahbud to put the Syrians 1-0 in the lead.

Syria’s star striker Raja Rafee – who has scored 32 goals in 67 appearances for his country - continued to threaten the Singapore defence, sending the Republic’s defenders scrambling to clear the ball each time.

With the pressure mounting, Khairul Amri missed yet another opportunity to level matters for the Lions in the 61st minute as his shot came off the goal post. Khairul’s final attempt in the 84th minute was foiled by Syrian goalie Ibrahim, as the Syrians held on to win the match, 1-0.

The Lions, who had beaten Cambodia and held Japan to a draw in earlier group matches to top Group E are now joint-second with Japan - who beat Cambodia 3-0 this morning - on four points, with Syria leapfrogging the two countries to claim top spot with six points. Singapore will meet Afghanistan next on Oct 8 at the National Stadium. The winners of each of the eight groups from the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, along with the four best second-placed teams, will progress to the third round and the 2019 Asian Cup.