Bekmurodov credits heroics to Tajikistan defence

Thu, 29 Jan, 2026

Bekmurodov credits heroics to Tajikistan defence

Jakarta: Tajikistan’s Firuz Bekmurodov’s exceptional display against Uzbekistan secured his side a point in their opening  AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ tie but the keeper said all credit should go towards their defence. 

The 28-year-old pulled off numerous saves in their Group C tie to keep the high-pressing four-time finalists at bay and sent their attacking lineup of Muzaffar Akhadjonov, Anakshon Rakhmatov and Elbek Tulkinov home empty handed.

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More to come from Japan, says Motoishi

Thu, 29 Jan, 2026

More to come from Japan, says Motoishi

Jakarta: Takehiro Motoishi believes Japan’s winning start to the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ is an indication of better days to come.

Takehiro’s powerful fifth-minute opening goal was the start of his side’s emphatic 6-2 win over Australia in Group C, with the 27-year-old going on to earn Player of the Match honours for his tireless performance.

The goal was more meaningful as this is not only Takehiro’s first ever Finals, it was also the first time Japan had opened their group stage campaign with a win since 2022. 

IR Iran’s Aghapour vows to repay coach’s faith in him

Thu, 29 Jan, 2026

IR Iran’s Aghapour vows to repay coach’s faith in him

Jakarta: Salar Aghapour is grateful for the trust placed in him by head coach Vahid Shamsaee after the 26-year-old played a starring role in Islamic Republic of Iran’s 4-1 win over Malaysia in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ Group D opener on Wednesday.

The Iran squad is a mix of senior and junior players, with Shamsaae having admitted prior to the tournament that he’s looking to refresh the squad with Aghapour one of those in the latter camp.

Hosseinpoor hopes to help Afghanistan realise dreams

Wed, 28 Jan, 2026

Hosseinpoor hopes to help Afghanistan realise dreams

Jakarta: Afghanistan are aiming to prove they can build on the success achieved in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ debut at Thailand 2024 with another impressive showing at Indonesia 2026.

Reza Hosseinpoor bagged two goals with Omid Qanbari striking late as the Central Asian side kicked off their Group D campaign with a 3-0 win against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

Takahashi wants Japan to stay in control; Uzbekistan, Tajikistan optimistic

Thu, 29 Jan, 2026

Takahashi wants Japan to stay in control; Uzbekistan, Tajikistan optimistic

Jakarta: Japan are in the driver’s seat as they head into Matchday Two of their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ Group C campaign on Friday.

The four-time champions were the only team to take three points following an emphatic 6-2 win over Australia, with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan playing out a goalless result in the later match. 

IR Iran’s Shamsaee, Afghanistan’s Mortezaei expect improvements

Wed, 28 Jan, 2026

IR Iran’s Shamsaee, Afghanistan’s Mortezaei expect improvements

Jakarta: Vahid Shamsaee and Majid Mortezaei are hopeful their respective sides will continue to shine after opening their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026™ campaigns with commanding wins on Wednesday.

Shamsaee’s Islamic Republic of Iran walked away with a 4-1 win against Malaysia while Mortezaei’s clinical Afghanistan saw off Saudi Arabia 3-0 but neither head coach wants their players to be satisfied with their start.