Japan’s landmark triumph commended by AFC President

Sun, 18 May, 2025

Japan’s landmark triumph commended by AFC President

Kuala Lumpur: Against the backdrop of a historic showpiece for women’s futsal in Asia, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has congratulated Japan on lifting their maiden AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ title after the East Asians defeated Thailand 3-2 on penalties in a riveting final at the Hohhot Sports Centre on Saturday.

Runners-up at each of the previous two editions, Japan twice took the lead only to be pegged back by first-time finalists Thailand, the third-place finishers in 2015 and 2018. Japan then had to come back in extra time to level proceedings after the Thais took the lead for the first time and with both unable to be separated, it was Japan who held their nerve to lift the trophy.

Japan edge Thailand to end title wait

Sun, 18 May, 2025

Japan edge Thailand to end title wait

Hohhot: Japan defeated Thailand 3-2 on penalties in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 final at the Hohhot Sports Centre on Saturday, with the thrilling tie ending 3-3 at the end of extra time. 

Having twice taken the lead, Japan had to force their way back into the final after Thailand went ahead in extra time as the East Asian side finally lifted the trophy after having finished runners-up in both previous editions.

IR Iran defeat China PR to book World Cup ticket

Sat, 17 May, 2025

IR Iran defeat China PR to book World Cup ticket

Hohhot: The Islamic Republic of Iran overcame China PR in the third-place playoff of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 on Saturday to seal their place at the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025.

The two-time champions ended their campaign on a high in front of a raucous partisan crowd at the Hohhot Sports Centre, as the 3-1 victory ensured that they will join Thailand and Japan at the inaugural World Cup come November.

Japan’s Oino named MVP

Sat, 17 May, 2025

Japan’s Oino named MVP

Hohhot: Sara Oino crowned a magnificent AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 campaign on Saturday by being named the Most Valuable Player after leading Japan to a historic triumph.

The 24-year-old put in a series of impressive displays in Hohhot, including a goal and an assist in the victory on penalties against Thailand in the final that ended 3-3 after extra time, as she played a key role in Japan’s maiden title win.

IR Iran’s Torkaman wins Top Scorer honour

Sat, 17 May, 2025

IR Iran’s Torkaman wins Top Scorer honour

Hohhot: With four goals for Islamic Republic of Iran prior to the third-place playoff, Maral Torkaman added two more on Saturday against China PR to emerge as the AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup™ and help lead her side to the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup Philippines 2025.

The 22-year-old cemented her status as one of Asia’s brightest futsal stars on her competition debut, showcasing her deadly finishing and also adding one assist.

Inoue scoops Best Goalkeeper award

Sat, 17 May, 2025

Inoue scoops Best Goalkeeper award

Hohhot: A standout campaign in goal by Nene Inoue saw her named Best Goalkeeper of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 on Saturday as she led Japan to a historic crown.

The 29-year-old custodian saved two spot-kicks in their penalty shootout victory against Thailand in the final, after the thrilling encounter had ended 3-3 following extra time.