Mahmoud al omar

AFC U20 Asian Cup China: Japan had to fight back twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Syria in their AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 Group D match at the Longhua Cultural and Sports Centre Stadium on Monday.

The result brought Japan to four points, while Syria, who had lost to Korea Republic in their opening game, were left to rue missed opportunities after a spirited performance.

Japan, coming off a 3-0 victory over Thailand, showed early intent. In the fourth minute, Kosei Ogura's long-range effort flew over the bar. Syria's goalkeeper Maksim Sarraf was quick to react, preventing a potential goal by intercepting a cross meant for Yutaka Michiwaki in the sixth minute. However, it was Syria who struck first in the 10th minute when Mahmoud Al Omar’s perfectly timed pass released Mohammad Al Mustafa, who coolly slid the ball past Japan’s goalkeeper Rui Araki.