Lebanon defeated Oman 10-2 while Saudi Arabia beat Qatar 5-2 as both teams boosted their hopes of a top two finish in Group B.

The top two teams from Groups A and B will qualify for next February's Finals, and the respective third place finishers will meet in a play-off match to determine the final ticket from the West Zone.

The Qualifiers are divided into four zones, with the West Zone kicking off the action on Wednesday, before the 2019 AFF Futsal Championship, which will serve as qualification for the ASEAN Zone, starts on October 21.

The East Zone hopefuls will begin their campaign the next day, while the Central & South Zone commences on October 23. A total 31 teams will be bidding to qualify.

IR Iran, 12-time Asian champions, fell at the final hurdle in their bid for the Caspian Cup title, losing 9-3 to hosts Russia to finish the competition in second place.

While many of Iran’s celebrated futsal stars have a long list of continental honours, 24-year-old Alireza Rafieipor’s journey as a national team player began in Taipei two weeks ago and ended on Sunday night as an Asian champion for the first time.

The Sherkat Melli Haffari player was part of the side that lifted the AFC Futsal Championship title for the 12th time, but for the man from Behbahan city, it was extra special.

“I am really thankful and, I must say, more than happy to be champion because this tournament marked my first time joining the national team,” he said.

“I am going home to my city Behbahan as a champion!”

The MVP of the competition is awarded to the player who has shown excellence in play, and his overall contribution to his team during the entire competition, and Hassanzadeh has shown those qualities.

“Firstly, I would like to say thanks to AFC, for arranging such an excellent tournament, and for allowing us to participate,” said Hassanzadeh.

“And I’m more than happy to receive this award. But I don't believe it’s mine alone, as it belongs to my team. All the players who have helped me throughout the tournament.”

Ali Asghar Hassanzadeh gave Iran the lead in the first half, and further goals from Farhad Tavakoli, Hossein Tayebi and Hassanzadeh again secured them a second consecutive title.

The battle between the Continent’s two futsal giants began as expected, with both sides playing a high pressure game with intense marking from the first blow of the whistle, and Mahdi Javid came dangerously close for Iran in the opening minutes when his effort struck the goal frame.

Japan head coach Bruno Garcia kept his players fully charged with flying substitutions which forced Iran to constantly adapt to the changing formations.