Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) General Secretary Ngo Le Bang spoke of his pride in Vietnam hosting the 2014 AFC Futsal Championship and expressed confidence that the 16-team tournament can provide the impetus that will take the Asian game to a higher level.
In his welcoming address prior to the competition’s official draw on Saturday, Ngo remarked:
“Vietnam is proud to be awarded the hosting right for the AFC Futsal Championship 2014 and we will do our utmost to hold the best [edition] of this prestigious competition,” said Ngo (pictured) in his speech before the draw.
“With the support by the AFC, Ho Chi Minh City and the government of Vietnam, I’m confident that this championship will be a success.
“No matter the result of the draw and the final outcome of the competition, I’m sure the quality of Asian futsal will grow even higher and we in Vietnam are proud to contribute to this.”
The tournament hosts were pooled in Group A alongside Tajikistan, Iraq and last edition’s quarter-finalists Kuwait while defending champions Japan will face Kyrgyzstan, who also reached the last-eight of UAE 2012, Uzbekistan and Korea Republic in Group D.
Ten-time champions Iran who defeated Australia 4-0 to finish third in 2012 will renew acquaintances with the Futsalroos in Ho Chi Minh City after the duo were placed in Group B along with China and Indonesia while Group C consisting of UAE 2012 runners-up Thailand, Lebanon, Chinese Taipei and Malaysia.
The AFC Futsal Championship Vietnam 2014 will take place from 30 April to 10 May.
Photo: WSG