For Syria, the Nehru Cup may be just a practice tournament in their bid to qualify for the Asian Cup, but they look serious to take the cup from here if today's performance is any indication.

For most part of the game Syria enjoyed better ball possession while Kyrgyzstan had to work hard to stitch a move.

Dyab, the vital cog in the Syrian defence, hardly allowed Kyrgyzstan forwards Usanov Rushem and Amirov Ildar to get the better of him.

To make matters worse for them, Kyrgyzstan were reduced to 10 after Ablakimov Roman was red-carded for a nasty tackle on Alaga midway through the second session.

Alaga doubled the lead with a solo run into the box and slotted past Mahash Pavli.

Kyrgyzstan came close to reducing the margin in the dying minutes of the game, but Rushem shot wide with an open goal in front.