Syrianska up to short again

GÖTEBORG - Syrianska FC battled hard at the Gamla Ullevi but came away with their fourth defeat of the domestic season. Calum Angus sealed a narrow victory for the hosts just two minutes from stoppage time at the end of the second half to stretch GAIS.

Elia for Barsom was the only change from the Syrianska team that drew against Malmö last midweek, while GAIS had the same starting lineup except off the change Santos to Omotoyossi. The hosts pinned back Syrianska FC from the outset, but the Suryoye managed to suffocate the GAIS passing machine with Omar Jawo and Ivan Ristic making some vital interceptions to deny Eric Bassombeng and co. a way through. But for all their efforts GAIS failed to raise the tempo and even when they did get sight of goal there was Dwayne Miller to get past and the Jamaican goalkeeper produced a magnificent tipped save from Calum Angus header the quarter-hour mark.

More nail-biting drama for Syrianska fans followed in the closing minutes as Miller made important saves from Angus and Bassombeng, and Bassombeng had a goal disallowed after an offside. Syrianskas main threat in the opening half was Rabi Elia. The Syriac had two good attempts blocked, and almost scored with his third, after a splendid long-range corner shot by Saleh. Elia tried to head home but the ball was dipped over by Jankulovski in the GAIS goal.

The match turned sour and tempers flared as frustration set in after the restart, Syrianska producing no less than two shots on goal. The Suryoye kept their cool though and had more ball possession than the first half, Arneng and Touma coming close on three occasions and but the efforts went just wide. The game looked to be heading for the first 0-0 draw between the two teams, but just two minutes from time added on Wanderson swung in a half cross from the right and Calum Angus send a diving shot past Dwayne Miller.

Reporter: Yacoub Emanuel

Photo: Isak Katto