QF: Thailand 3-4 Saudi Arabia

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

QF: Thailand 3-4 Saudi Arabia

Pattaya: Saudi Arabia emerged 4-3 winners in a thrilling battle with Thailand in their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 quarter-final tie on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia, through to the semi-finals for the first time, will play either Islamic Republic of Iran or Bahrain on Saturday with a ticket to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 also on offer for the winners.

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Q-final: Japan 8-3 Lebanon

Thu, 27 Mar, 2025

Q-final: Japan 8-3 Lebanon

Pattaya: Japan marched into the semi-finals of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 following a sensational 8-3 victory over Lebanon in their quarter-final tie at the Jomtien Beach Arena on Wednesday.

The three-time champions will now face either Oman or United Arab Emirates in the semi-finals on Saturday with the winners to also earn a ticket to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025.

Al Raimi sets ultimate glory target for Oman

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Al Raimi sets ultimate glory target for Oman

Pattaya: Mussallam Al Raimi is confident that Oman are on the right track to reclaim the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ title after defeating Bahrain 5-1 in their final Thailand 2025 Group D tie on Tuesday.

Making a busy man out of Bahrain’s goalkeeper Ahmed Abdulrasool with repeated charges throughout the match before finally getting his name on the scoresheet, the striker is certain that the confidence of remaining unbeaten in the group stage will boost team morale as they seek to reclaim the trophy they won a decade ago.

IR Iran must defend title, says Mirshekari

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

IR Iran must defend title, says Mirshekari

Pattaya: Ali Mirshekari was jubilant after Islamic Republic of Iran defeated familiar foes United Arab Emirates 4-3 to take a step further towards defending their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ title on Tuesday.

According to Mirshekari, it was the familiarity of having played each other over the years that acted as a blessing as well as a challenge.

Saiful: Malaysia have the potential to reach the global stage

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Saiful: Malaysia have the potential to reach the global stage

Pattaya: Head coach Mohd Saiful Noor praised his charges as Malaysia bowed out of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 with a 3-1 victory against Vietnam in their final Group D match at the Jomtien Beach Arena on Tuesday.

Finishing behind Oman and Bahrain, Saiful said the Southeast Asians were exiting the competition with their heads held high.

Indonesia, Afghanistan set sights on the future

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Indonesia, Afghanistan set sights on the future

Pattaya: As Indonesia concluded their journey at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 on a winning note, Agung Teguh is hopeful that the lessons learned will drive the Southeast Asians toward a brighter future.

Indonesia finished third in Group C with a 6-4 victory over Afghanistan in their final match, with Teguh contributing both a goal and an assist.

IR Iran’s Ghalenoei pays tribute to game-changer Taremi

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

IR Iran’s Ghalenoei pays tribute to game-changer Taremi

Tehran: Amir Ghalenoei praised the contribution of Mehdi Taremi after the Inter Milan forward rose to the occasion to help Islamic Republic of Iran reach a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Staring at their first World Cup qualifier home defeat since 2012, Ghalenoei needed someone from his team to step up to the plate and Taremi did not disappoint, scoring his second in the 83rd minute to salvage a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan with the point sufficient to clinch qualification.

Oman’s determination earns Jaber’s praise

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Oman’s determination earns Jaber’s praise

Ardhiyah: Rasheed Jaber was beaming with pride after his Oman side battled to a 1-0 win against Kuwait in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B tie on Tuesday to keep alive hopes of automatic qualification.

Issam Al Sabhi’s strike in the 56th minute settled the hard-fought contest at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium as Oman cut the gap to second place Jordan to just three points with two rounds of matches remaining.

Kluivert applauds Indonesia's strong rebound

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Kluivert applauds Indonesia's strong rebound

Jakarta: Head coach Patrick Kluivert was full of praise after Indonesia revived their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 2026 campaign with a 1-0 win over Bahrain at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday.

Ole Romenij’s 24th minute strike was enough to seal the three points for Kluivert’s men, who have nine points and sit four behind second-placed Australia with two matches remaining in Group C.

Ihab urges Palestine to power on after historic triumph

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Ihab urges Palestine to power on after historic triumph

Amman: Ihab Abujazar could not hide his pride after Palestine edged Iraq 2-1 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group B match on Tuesday.

Trailing for most of the match, two goals in the space of eight minutes turned despair into joy for Palestine after efforts from Wessam Abouli (88th) and Ahmed Mahajneh (90th+6) cancelled Aymen Hussein’s first half opener for Iraq as they celebrated a first ever victory at this stage of the AFC Asian Qualifiers. 

While victory wasn’t enough to keep them in the race for the two automatic spots to the Finals, the three points mean they are in the mix for the two playoff spots from the group. 

UAE and Bento part ways

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

UAE and Bento part ways

Riyadh: The United Arab Emirates Football Association announced the departure of head coach Paulo Bento and his coaching staff on Wednesday.

The announcement followed UAE’s 2-1 win over DPR Korea in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group A match on Tuesday.

Kyrgyz Republic’s Lisitsyn celebrates well deserved win

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Kyrgyz Republic’s Lisitsyn celebrates well deserved win

Bishkek: Head coach Maksim Lisitsyn paid tribute to his squad after Kyrgyz Republic sensationally defeated Qatar 3-1 in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Tuesday.

It was a result which not only revived the Central Asian side’s campaign but also ended Qatar’s hopes of earning automatic qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup. 

Saudi Arabia’s Renard takes positives from Japan stalemate

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Renard takes positives from Japan stalemate

Saitama: Herve Renard maintained a positive outlook after Saudi Arabia settled for a point following a goalless draw with Japan in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 Group C match on Tuesday.

The result, coupled with Australia’s 2-0 win over China PR, saw the Socceroos build a three-point lead over the Green Falcons with two rounds of matches remaining but Renard was pleased with the result given Japan’s quality. 

Hong accepts responsibility for Korea Republic’s struggles

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Hong accepts responsibility for Korea Republic’s struggles

Suwon: Head coach Hong Myung-bo accepted responsibility but felt Korea Republic did not do too much wrong after settling for a 1-1 draw with Jordan in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 on Tuesday.

It was the East Asian side’s third consecutive stalemate but they remain well on course for a spot in next year’s FIFA World Cup as they hold a three-point lead over Jordan at the top of the standings with Iraq a further point adrift with two rounds of matches remaining. 

Focused Australia please Popovic

Wed, 26 Mar, 2025

Focused Australia please Popovic

Hangzhou: Head coach Tony Popovic applauded his side’s clinical performance after Australia secured a vital 2-0 victory over China PR in their AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Group C tie on Tuesday.

First half goals from Jackson Irvine and Nishan Velupillay meant Australia ended the night three points clear of Saudi Arabia in the race to secure automatic qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup.