Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Hanoi: As the goals flew in around Asia during Matchday One of qualifying for the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, it was the day’s lowest scoring game which undoubtedly provided a backdrop to the most significant story.
The match, at the Vietnam Youth Training Centre in Hanoi, will be recorded in the history books as a 1-0 win to Singapore, but it must also be viewed as a triumph for Syria, a side playing its first senior women’s international fixture after six long years in the wilderness.
Out of action since a 2011 loss to the Islamic Republic of Iran in Abu Dhabi, the Syrians not only returned to the international stage, but did so in style, admirably pushing the Southeast Asian side all the way before succumbing to an 81st minute goal from Lim Li Xian.
It may have come as a surprise to many neutral observers, but Syria’s competitiveness is merely part of the plan according to dynamic midfielder Mary Saleh.
“We came here to participate, but also to compete and to do the best we can do. We want to win every game we can,” said the 24-year-old, who is also acting as translator for the Syrian squad whilst in Vietnam.
“If we keep going, keep training and gathering ourselves together, we can compete internationally. We proved that yesterday.”
The performance was all the more impressive given that Syria’s players have not only been absent from the international scene but - with the local women’s club game grinding to halt in 2011 - from regular football of any kind.
With no club football to act as a guide ahead of team selection, head coach Abd Alghini Tatteesh was forced to rely largely on players he already knew, with around 70 prospective squad members invited to a training camp in Damascus.
“Almost everybody came,” said Saleh, who explained that a number of the squad were contacted based on their participation in squads from before 2011.
“We depend on the old players, like me and many others, and we also have some young players that were collected from the old clubs in Syria.”
Given Syria’s lengthy absence, and irregular pre-tournament preparation, Tatteesh’s pride at his team’s performance against Singapore was clear for all to see.
“I’m very happy about it because we’ve been off for six years and we only had one month to prepare,” said the coach.
“We came here to compete, maybe to win if we can. We want to win, but this is only the best possibility.”
Syria’s outstanding performer in Monday’s match was Samira Debou, with her skill on the ball and mazy runs providing multiple headaches for the Singaporean defence.
The talented forward represents the future of women’s football in Syria, a responsibility which is not lost on the 19-year-old.
“I came here to participate, to do my best, to win and to improve the game in Syria,” said the young star.
“It feels fantastic to represent my country.”
Syria’s next match is on Wednesday and comes in the shape of host nation Vietnam – ranked 33rd in the world, and seventh in Asia.
Mai Duc Chung’s side came within one match of qualifying for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but despite the disparity in experience, the match holds no fears for Debou.
“We feel powerful, not intimidated,” she said determinedly.
“We are here to compete and we will get better in every match.”
Photo: Vietnam Football Federation