Syrian National Football Team Aims to Improve Performance
The Syrian national football team, qualified for the 2027 Asian Cup but not for the 2026 World Cup, is seeking to progress in the game and achieve better results.
Team Selection for Arab Cup
The team's coach, José Lana, has announced the final list of 23 players selected for the Arab Cup, in accordance with the tournament's regulations. Due to commitments with their respective clubs and the fact that the tournament is taking place outside of FIFA's official international match dates, Omar Kharbin and Elias Hedaya did not participate in the winning playoff match against South Sudan. They joined the team after qualification for the group stage.
Simon Amin and Antonio Yakoub, who play in the Swedish second division with Orebro, joined the team on November 23, after fulfilling their commitments with their clubs. Notable players on the Syrian team include Mohamed Al Hallaq, who scored and assisted in the match against South Sudan, and will be a key attraction for the "Eagles of Kasyoun". Captain Mohamed Al Mawas and Mahmoud Al Aswad will also be closely watched.
Coaching and Tactics
Spanish coach Jose Maria Lena Fernandez has been in charge of the Syrian team since August 23, 2024, with an honorable record of 6 wins. He favors the 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 tactical options against medium-strength teams, and the 4-4-2 formation against stronger opponents.
Team Style and Strengths
The Syrian football team is characterized by a combative and physical style of play, with a solid defensive organization that aims to close spaces and play as a unit to resist more technical teams. In attack, Syria prioritizes quick transitions and counter-attacks, with set pieces also being an important part of their offensive strategy. Despite recent difficulties, the Syrian team is known for its strong collective spirit and determination, making them a difficult opponent to face.
Selected Squad
The selected squad of 23 players includes 3 goalkeepers: Elias Hedaya (Sandefjord/Norway), Maxime Saraf (Al Karamah/Syria), and Shaher Al Shaker (free agent), as well as 20 outfield players:
- Mohamed Anez (Al Ahed/Lebanon)
- Mahmoud Nayef (Al Karamah/Syria)
- Anas Dahan (free agent)
- Khaled Al Hajjah (Al Karamah/Syria)
- Hassan Dahan (free agent)
- Alan Aussi (F91 Dudelange/Luxembourg)
- Mohammed Al Salkhadi (Varnamo/Sweden)
- Abdulrazzaq Mohamed (free agent)
- Mahmoud Al Aswad (Al Salmiya/Kuwait)
- Abdallah Al Shami (Al Yarmouk/Kuwait)
- Captain Mahmoud Al-Mawas (Al Shorta/Iraq)
- Ahmad Faqa (Hafnarfjörður/Faroe Islands)
- Mohammad Al-Hallaq (Al Faisaly/Jordan)
- Simon Amin (Orebro/Sweden)
- Elmar Abraham (Skovde AIK/Sweden)
- Zakaria Hannan (free agent)
- Omar Kharbin (Al Wahda Abu Dhabi/UAE)
- Khaled Kardaoughli (free agent)
- Antonio Yakoub (Orebro/Sweden)
- Yassine Samiah (Al Karamah/Syria)
Note the absence of veteran Omar Al Somah, who plays for Al Hazm in Saudi Arabia and will be missed in the Syrian attack due to his experience.
