Capital goal reached after conversion (8)

I believe the answer is:

damascus

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'capital' is the definition.
(capital of Syria)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for damascus that I've seen before include "Capital of Syria" , "ancient city" , "Couple" , "Pauline conversion on the road to here" , "capital city" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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