NNA - Three late goals ensured Syria a first win of the qualifying campaign for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup after recording a 4-0 victory over Singapore in Group A on Friday, according to AFC website.


Sanharib Malki had handed Syria an early lead at PAS Stadium, but Hussam Al Sayed's side were then frustrated by Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny on numerous occasions as they looked to revenge last month's 2-1 defeat in the Lion City.


But with Ahmad Al Douni, Ouday Al Jaffal and Abdulfatah Al Agha eventually netting inside the final 10 minutes, Syria ran out comfortable winners to move above Singapore and into third place in Group A having earlier drawn with Jordan.


Needing a first win of the campaign, Syria started well and opened the scoring after 10 minutes as Malki beat defender Mohammad Afiq to Ahmad Al Douni's pull back and the striker shot across the visiting custodian to open the scoring.


The Singapore goal continued to come under pressure as the half progressed as Sunny kept out Omar Kharbin's header at the foot of the back post before Hamid Mido shot wide from the resulting corner.


Syria, though, should have added a second nine minutes before half-time as Kharbin beat the Singapore offside trap, but with Sunny charging off his line towards the edge of the penalty area, the midfielder lifted his shot over the crossbar.


Syria continued to press for a second goal at the start of the second half and Sunny had to be on his toes to push away Malki's low skidding strike just before the hour mark.


Al Douni, though, should have added that crucial second goal with 13 minutes remaining as the striker met Al Agha's cross at the back post, but with the goal at his mercy, the striker inexplicably lifted his shot over the crossbar.


But after Sunny was called into action to push away Al Agha?s header soon after, Syria finally added a second goal with seven minutes remaining as the substitute striker's deflected cross dropped kindly at the back post and Al Douni was on hand to slide the ball between Sunny and the post.


And a third goal arrived four minutes later as Al Jaffal beat Sunny with his first touch before Al Agha?s stoppage time header capped an eye-catching display from the substitute to seal the win.


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