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A determined Syria came back from behind twice to hold Cameroon to a 2-2 draw after the Indomitable Lions took an lead early in a thrilling match of the Nehru Cup at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday (August 24).
Syria, in the process, opened their account in the points table after losing to India in the tournament opener. Cameroon too had to be content with just one point.
The African giants did not take much time to settle down, finding the back of the net through midfielder Kingue Mpondo in the 17th minute. A well taken free kick by Ebanga Bertin went for a corner after Syria goalkeeper Mosab Balhous pulled off a commendable save. Mpondo met the resultant flag kick with a stooping header that saw the ball rocket past a helpless Balhous.
Five minutes before the interval, Syria finally broke the African resistance — Alaa Al Shbli nodding the ball home from a free kick.
The scoreline changed in favour of Cameroon early in the second half when Kologny Vigny Merime was tripped inside the dreaded area by the Syria custodian. Bertin converted from the spot with ease nestling the ball in the right hand top corner of the net.
But the Syrians were the better team post breather and they were eventually rewarded when in the 79th minute Ouday Abduljaffal capitalised after being set up off a rebound.
August 25: India vs Maldives (7pm).
