Syria national team arrive in UAE for mega event
6th
AFC Asian Cup appearance for Syrian national team
sharjah — The Syrian national football team landed in Sharjah as they prepare to take the stage for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, a press release said.
The Syrians are excited about their participation in the tournament in the UAE after having missed out on the previous edition in Australia.
Syria also narrowly missed out on a chance to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Bernd Stange’s team will face title-holders Australia and fellow Arab nations Jordan and Palestine in Group B.
Bracing for their sixth appearance in the continental showpiece, Syria kick off their campaign when they take on Palestine on January 6 in Sharjah before another all-Arab tie against Jordan four days later in Al Ain.
They wrap up the group stage in Al Ain as well with arguably their biggest group stage test that sees them go head-to-head with champions Australia on January 15.
Stange’s roster for the Asian Cup didn’t feature captain Firas Al Khatib who was ruled out of the tournament with an injury.
The Asian Cup kicks off on January 5 and the final will be played in Abu Dhabi on February 1.
The tournament will feature 24 teams including Asian giants Australia, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and hosts UAE.
As excitement builds for the biggest ever AFC Asian Cup, supporters are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Easily accessible online and priced from Dhs25, supporters can purchase their tickets via www. afcasiancup2019.com, the press release said.