Syria Begins Post-Assad Era with Emotional Win

In a match charged with history and emotion, Syria played its first official game since the fall of the Assad regime, opening its 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Pakistan at Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

The result, while crucial in footballing terms, carried far deeper significance for a nation attempting to write a new sporting—and national—narrative after decades of civil strife and authoritarian rule.

The opener came from 22-year-old Ahmad Faqa, the rising forward from AIK Stockholm, whose calm finish midway through the first half set the tone for Syria’s return. But it was the second goal that brought the crowd and perhaps a whole country—to its feet.

Veteran striker Omar Al Somah, now 38, scored in the 56th minute to seal the win. The goal was far more than just a statistic: it was the latest chapter in a remarkable personal and national journey. Al Somah had once retired from international football in protest at the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in the early 2010s. Years later, he returned to guide the Qasioun Eagles to the brink of history during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers—a run that saw Syria reach the continental playoff, but losing to Australia in a dramatic fashion.

A new beginning with a new uniform, a new anthem, but same old scorer. Omar Al Somah and his Syrian teammates celebrate (Photo courtesy: Syrian Football Association)

Now, with his goal against Pakistan, Al Somah has become a living symbol of Syria’s resilience and rebirth. His strike came just weeks after he became the all-time leading foreign scorer in Saudi Pro League history with 150 goals, adding yet another accolade to a storied career.

“We’re not just here to play football,” Al Somah told reporters post-match. “We’re here to show the world that Syria stands again stronger, united, and with hope.”

It was a night of cautious optimism, both on and off the pitch. For the first time in years, the new Syrian flag waved without political overtones, and the new anthem was sung with a sense of genuine pride rather than fear. The team’s performance—disciplined, sharp, and emotionally charged—suggests that under new leadership, Syria could once again be a force in Asian football.

Next up for Syria: a trip to face Afghanistan, as the AFC Asian Cup qualification continues. But whatever happens on the field, March 29, 2025, will be remembered as the day Syrian football—and perhaps Syria itself—found a new beginning.