Asia

Vietnam 0-1 Syria: Raja Rafe Wins It At The Death

The South-East Asians have a big hill to climb...

Nov 14, 2009 10:50:58 PM

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A last gasp goal from Raja Rafe gave Syria a 1-0 win in Vietnam in their 2011 Asian Cup qualifier in Hanoi on Saturday evening.

The three points maintains Syria’s 100% record after three games but leaves Vietnam languishing in third place with three points.

China are in second with six while Lebanon are pointless and out of the running.

Vietnam were not at their best at the My Dinh Stadium but almost took the lead after 14 minutes as Minh Phuong hit the post.

The hosts had much of the possession but struggled to make chances against a solid Syria defence despite the best efforts of Portugal-based striker Le Cong Vinh.

Syria coach Fajr Ibrahim brought on Rafe with 17 minutes remaining as the tide started to turn in Vietnam’s favour.

Vietnam still had an excellent chance to win the game but Minh Phuong shot wide and the hosts paid doubly for that miss just seconds later.

A Firas Al Khatib free-kick was headed home by the substitute to spark wild celebrations of the Syrian bench.

Vietnam travel to Syria for the return match on Wednesday in need of a win.

1: Syria 9 2: China 6 3: Vietnam 3 4: Lebanon 0