Dhaka: Syria started their AFC U-23 group E Qualifiers with a facile 4-0 victory over Bangladesh at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Friday.  

Syria took the lead in the very fifth minute with midfielder Omar Kharbin curving a free kick from 20 yards out into the right hand post of Bangladesh goalie Russell Mahmud Liton (1-0).

Syria was sitting on a two goal cushion in the 14th minute with defender Mourad al Ajnan floating a free kick from the left flank and midfielder Amro Jeniat heading home with a perfect spot jump (2-0).

Omar Khardin converted a penalty in the 45th minute after defender Nahid’s handball in the middle of the box prompted Iranian referee Mooud Bonaydafrad to point to the spot. Omar sent Russell in the wrong way (3-0).

In the 61st minute Bangladesh forward Wahed made his way through the Syrian defence with a long ball of Jewel Rana but placed the ball over the crosspiece with Syrian goalie Abdul Latif Nassan well out of position.

Substitute forward Mahmoud Al Mawas scored the fourth in the 82nd minute with a neat placing shot on a through pass of Nassouh Nakhdahli (4-0).