Saudi Arabia’s Sufiani revels in opening win, China PR’s Yisi eyes comeback

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Sufiani revels in opening win, China PR’s Yisi eyes comeback

Pattaya: Saudi Arabia’s Rabye Sufyani did not hide his delight after the West Asians claimed a 5-3 win against China PR in their opening AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 Group B match on Thursday.

The seniormost member of the squad, the 38-year-old hailed the resilience of his teammates in the face of a challenging match and attributed the success to their razor-sharp focus on wanting to emerge victorious.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_beach_soccer_asian_cup.html/video/acbeachsoccer-|-group-b-china-pr-3-5-saudi-arabia

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Tabata concerned with Japan’s sluggish start, Iraq’s Hashem Pour motivated by performance

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Tabata concerned with Japan’s sluggish start, Iraq’s Hashem Pour motivated by performance

Pattaya: Head coach Teruki Tabata was left puzzled by Japan’s slow start to the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 after his side slogged to a 4-3 win against Iraq on Thursday.

Conceding that his players were not at their best at both ends of the sand, Tabata will be targeting a fresher look when Japan take on Saudi Arabia - who beat China PR 5-3 in the other Group A match - on Saturday.

El Khatib wants Lebanon to learn from opening lesson, Alsabea promises Kuwait rebound

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

El Khatib wants Lebanon to learn from opening lesson, Alsabea promises Kuwait rebound

Pattaya: The hard-fought 5-4 win against Kuwait in their opening AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 Group A match on Thursday served as a reminder for Ahmed El Khatib that improvements are needed for Lebanon.

El Khatib scored twice in a topsy-turvy match with both teams having spent time being ahead before Lebanon emerged victorious with the defender eyeing an improved showing when they meet Thailand on Saturday.

Group B: China PR 3-5 Saudi Arabia

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Group B: China PR 3-5 Saudi Arabia

Pattaya: Saudi Arabia registered a hard fought 5-3 win over China PR in their opening AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023 Group B match at the Jomtien Beach Arena on Thursday.

Both sides gave it their all, taking turns to hold the lead but Saudi Arabia persevered and will face Japan on Saturday with China PR to face Iraq. 

Group B: Japan 4-3 Iraq

Thu, 20 Mar, 2025

Group B: Japan 4-3 Iraq

Pattaya: Japan were made to work hard before securing a 4-3 win against Iraq in their opening AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 Group B match on Thursday.

Ozu Moreira scored twice as Japan battled back from 2-1 down to claim all three points.

Group A: Thailand 3-0 India

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Group A: Thailand 3-0 India

Pattaya: Thailand overcame a slow start to kick off their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 campaign with a resounding 3-0 win over India at the Jomtien Beach Arena on Thursday. 

The result gave Thailand the early top spot in Group A, with the hosts to meet Lebanon on Saturday. India will face Kuwait.

Group A: Kuwait 4-5 Lebanon

Thu, 20 Mar, 2025

Group A: Kuwait 4-5 Lebanon

Pattaya: Lebanon started their AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 Group A campaign with a thrilling 5-4 win against Kuwait on Thursday.

The exciting match at Jomtien Beach Arena saw both sides taking the lead before Moustafa El Zein struck the winner in the third period.

Preview - Group C: IR Iran v Indonesia; UAE v Afghanistan

Thu, 20 Mar, 2025

Preview - Group C: IR Iran v Indonesia; UAE v Afghanistan

Pattaya: Islamic Republic of Iran are well prepared to go all the way as they kickstart their title defence at the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 against Indonesia on Friday.

In preparation for the tournament, head coach Naderi Hossein held eight training camps with five friendly matches, and is rallying his squad to display their title intentions against the Southeast Asian side.

Preview- Group D: Oman v Vietnam, Bahrain v Malaysia

Wed, 19 Mar, 2025

Preview- Group D: Oman v Vietnam, Bahrain v Malaysia

Pattaya: Group D of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup™ Thailand 2025 is set for an explosive kick off on Friday with Oman, Vietnam, Bahrain and Malaysia vying for the two tickets to the quarter-finals.

Oman, champions in 2015, will take on Vietnam before Bahrain face Malaysia.

Australia’s Irvine thrilled but expects improvement

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

Australia’s Irvine thrilled but expects improvement

Sydney: Jackson Irvine was delighted with Australia’s 5-1 win against Indonesia but admitted there is still room for improvement if the Socceroos want to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The midfielder netted twice as Australia overcame a slow start to see off the challenge of an Indonesian side looking to build on their win against Saudi Arabia on Matchday Six.

The victory meant Australia stayed second in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 and if they can hang on, it will mean automatic qualification to the global Finals, with Japan having already sealed their spot. 

#AsianQualifiers - MD7: Results & Reports

Fri, 21 Mar, 2025

#AsianQualifiers - MD7: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Japan became the first team to book their FIFA World Cup 2026 spot after defeating Bahrain 2-0 on Thursday.

The win assured Hajime Moriyasu's side a top two finish in Group C of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 regardless of what happens in the remaining matches.

In Group A, Islamic Republic of Iran moved within a point of confirming their ticket after a 2-0 win over United Arab Emirates, with Uzbekistan maintaining a firm grip on second place.

Korea Republic were held 1-1 by Oman but remain well placed to advance from Group B.

The top two sides from each group will earn automatic qualification and the focus now shifts to Tuesday's round of matches so make sure to stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com.