Road to Final: Sharjah FC (UAE)

Wed, 14 May, 2025

Road to Final: Sharjah FC (UAE)

Kuala Lumpur: Sharjah FC will be aiming to win their first continental trophy with victory over Singapore's Lion City Sailors in the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 final at the Bishan Stadium on Sunday.

As the side from the United Arab Emirates complete their final preparations, the-AFC.com takes a look at their journey to the final.

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_two.html/video/acltwo-|-sharjah-fc-uae-3-1-foolad-mobarakeh-sepahan-sc-irn

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_two.html/video/acltwo-|-r16-2nd-leg-sharjah-fc-uae-0-1-1-1-agg-3-0-pso-al-hussein-jor

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_two.html/video/acltwo-|-qf-2nd-leg-sharjah-fc-uae-1-1-aet-2-2-agg-5-4-pso-shabab-al-ahli-uae

www.the-afc.com/en/club/afc_champions_league_two.html/video/acltwo-|-sf-2nd-leg-sharjah-fc-uae-2-0-2-1-agg-al-taawoun-fc-ksa

Road to Final: Lion City Sailors FC (SGP)

Wed, 14 May, 2025

Road to Final: Lion City Sailors FC (SGP)

Kuala Lumpur: Lion City Sailors FC will be aiming to create more history when they face Sharjah FC in the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 final at the Bishan Stadium on Sunday.

The Sailors are the first side from Singapore to qualify for a major Asian final and as they prepare to lock horns with Sharjah FC of the United Arab Emirates, the-AFC.com takes a look at the club's journey to their date with destiny.

Futsal is my life, says IR Iran legend Tavasoli

Wed, 14 May, 2025

Futsal is my life, says IR Iran legend Tavasoli

Hohhot: With around 15 seconds left and a 2-1 lead, Islamic Republic of Iran were hanging on in their quarter-final tie against Chinese Taipei on Tuesday evening as Farzaneh Tavasoli saved a shot.

Noticing that her counterpart had pushed up and left the goal unguarded, the goalkeeper took aim and sent a precise goal-kick off the bar and over the line, ensuring defending champions Iran’s passage to the last four of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025.

It was Tavasoli’s first ever tournament goal - and one of the very few things that she had not done in a career laden with trophies and accolades.

From car wash to futsal court, Eguchi is Japan’s game changer

Tue, 13 May, 2025

From car wash to futsal court, Eguchi is Japan’s game changer

Hohhot: Just like Daniel LaRusso in the 1984 classic The Karate Kid, Japan’s Mika Eguchi spends her days doing what looks like ordinary work – washing, scrubbing, waxing. 

But unlike the Hollywood teenager, who trained under Mr. Miyagi, Eguchi’s “wax on - wax off" isn't a hidden lesson in martial arts, it’s her full-time job at a car wash – a demanding 10-hour grind she has balanced for a decade.

By night, however, the 30-year-old transforms. The overalls come off, the futsal foot boots go on and Eguchi becomes a force on the court for both Bardral Urayasu Las Bonitas and Japan.

Rising star Ke Yaoxiang fueling China PR’s dreams

Wed, 14 May, 2025

Rising star Ke Yaoxiang fueling China PR’s dreams

Hohhot: At just 17-years-old, Ke Yaoxing is fast becoming one of the standout names in China PR’s women’s futsal.

Calm on the court but driven, the high school student has been a key figure in China PR’s march into the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025.

Jenjira and Thailand determined to keep improving

Tue, 13 May, 2025

Jenjira and Thailand determined to keep improving

Hohhot: Heading into the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025, Thailand perhaps flew under the radar as a genuine contender for the crown in the third edition.

If they were, a stunning win on the final matchday of their Group C campaign in Hohhot has definitely changed that perception.

Europe Wrap: Hatate, Boyle and Asia’s best in the thick of action

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Europe Wrap: Hatate, Boyle and Asia’s best in the thick of action

Kuala Lumpur: There were goals and assists galore from Reo Hatate, Martin Boyle, Mehdi Taremi, Lee Jae-sung and the rest of the Asian cast as they helped their respective clubs gain crucial points across major European leagues.

Follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe this past week.

Thailand’s Darika still daring to dream

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Thailand’s Darika still daring to dream

Hohhot: At 32, Darika Peanpailun is still the force behind Thailand’s futsal team – a relentless competitor with a lethal left foot and a decade of top-level experience.

The dynamic forward has her sights firmly on adding another chapter of success at the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025.

A native of northeastern Thailand, Darika’s journey began when her family encouraged her to pursue her studies in Bangkok.  It was there amidst the vibrant sporting city where she discovered her love for futsal and quickly realised it was more than just a sport.

Japan’s late bloomer Matsumoto chasing World Cup dream

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Japan’s late bloomer Matsumoto chasing World Cup dream

Hohhot: With an empty goal looming after the opposing goalkeeper parried a shot to her, Naomi Matsumoto looked oods-on to score for Japan on Sunday in their AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 game against Thailand.

Unfortunately, she mistimed the attempt and the chance was gone in an instant. However, instead of wallowing in disappointment, the 27-year-old immediately sprinted the length of the court to execute a successful covering tackle at the other end to snuff out a dangerous counter-attack.

While the Group C match eventually ended in defeat for Japan, that moment encapsulated Matsumoto’s tenacity and her desire to make the most of a futsal career that began relatively late.