Brunei Darussalam’s national under-23 team suffered their heaviest defeat in recent memory after losing 11-0 to Syria in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024 Qualifiers at the Prince Mohammad Stadium in Zarqa City on Saturday.
The result marked the Young Wasps second consecutive defeat in the qualifiers having began their campaign with a devastating 9-0 loss to Jordan.
Syria midfield duo Mustafa Abdullatif and Mohamad Rihanieh led the onslaught after bagging a hat-trick each.
The Syrians, who needed a result to stand any chance of progressing to the main draw of the competition, opened the floodgates in the 20th minute through Hozan Rawan Osman.
The Bruneians were able to hold their opponents and minimise damage until the 41st minute when Oliver Isak Kawo doubled his side’s lead.
Coupled with lack of firepower, Brunei’s defence were torn apart as further goals from Ahmad Hatem, Mahmoud Nayef and Almekdad Ahmad further asserted the Syrians’ dominance.
The national under-23 team will conclude their group stage against Oman on September 12 at the same venue. – Fadhil Yunus
