Preview - Playoff 3: Afghanistan v Kyrgyz Republic

Sat, 27 Apr, 2024

Preview - Playoff 3: Afghanistan v Kyrgyz Republic

Bangkok: Either Afghanistan or Kyrgyz Republic will qualify for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024 when they meet in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand™ 2024 Playoff 3 at the Bangkok Arena on Sunday.

Both teams are determined to make history by securinh their spot in the global showpiece  scheduled for September.

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Playoffs: Afghanistan stun Iraq; Kyrgyz Republic edge Vietnam

Fri, 26 Apr, 2024

Playoffs: Afghanistan stun Iraq; Kyrgyz Republic edge Vietnam

Bangkok: Afghanistan and Kyrgyz Republic will square off in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand™ 2024 Playoff 3 after defeating Iraq and Vietnam respectively at the Hua Mark Indoor Arena on Friday.

Tournament debutants Afghanistan stunned Iraq 5-3 while Kyrgyz Republic defeated Vietnam 3-2. The winners of Sunday’s Playoff 3 will join Islamic Republic of Iran, Tajikistan, Thailand and hosts Uzbekistan in the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2024. 

IR Iran stay on course for 13th title

Sat, 27 Apr, 2024

IR Iran stay on course for 13th title

Bangkok: Goalkeeper Bagher Mohammadi was the star as Islamic Republic of Iran defeated Uzbekistan 5-4 on penalties after their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand™ 2024 semi-final ended 3-3 after extra-time on Friday.

Mohammadi saved two spot-kicks as Iran advanced to Sunday’s final against hosts Thailand, with the Central Asian side seeking a record-extending 13th AFC Futsal Asian Cup title. 

Thailand edge spirited Tajikistan for final spot

Sat, 27 Apr, 2024

Thailand edge spirited Tajikistan for final spot

Bangkok: Goalkeeper Arut Senbat was the hero, saving three penalties as Thailand edged Tajikistan 6-5 in a penalty shootout after their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand™ 2024 semi-final ended 3-3 after extra-time.

Narongsak Wingwon scored the winning penalty as Thailand advanced to the final for the third time, with either 12-time champions Islamic Republic of Iran or Uzbekistan their opponents in Sunday’s decider.

It was heartbreak for Tajikistan, who had led twice in their inaugural appearance in the semi-finals but couldn't repel Thailand’s incessant attacks.

Norchaev warns Uzbekistan to remain focused

Sat, 27 Apr, 2024

Norchaev warns Uzbekistan to remain focused

Doha: Uzbekistan took a huge step towards a second AFC U23 Asian Cup™ title after an impressive 2-0 quarter-final win over defending champions Saudi Arabia at Qatar 2024 on Friday but Khusain Norchaev has urged his teammates to forget the win and focus on their semi-final challenge.  

The encounter at the Khalifa International Stadium was a rematch of the 2022 final but strikes from Norchaev and Umarali Rakhmonaliev ensured that it would be Uzbekistan celebrating at the final whistle this time around. 

Jasim: Iraq can only get better

Sat, 27 Apr, 2024

Jasim: Iraq can only get better

Al Wakrah: Ali Jasim is confident that a more potent Iraq will emerge at the business end of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™. 

Jasim’s strike from the penalty spot sealed Iraq a 1-0 win against Vietnam in the quarter-finals on Friday, with the exciting forward joining Abdullah Radif and Aiman Yahya of Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic’s Lee Young-jun at the top of the goalscorers’ chart on three goals.
 
However, the 20-year-old was well aware that his side squandered several opportunities against Vietnam but is confident the goals will soon flow, with Iraq to meet Japan in the semi-finals on Monday. 

Shenaishil relieved Iraq coped with pressure; Vietnam’s Hoang sees promise

Sat, 27 Apr, 2024

Shenaishil relieved Iraq coped with pressure; Vietnam’s Hoang sees promise

Al Wakrah: Radhi Shenaishil admitted that his Iraq side were under pressure to deliver in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ quarter-final against Vietnam on Friday. 

It wasn’t a vintage performance from the 2013 champions but Shenaishil wasn’t overly concerned, saying what mattered at this stage of the competition was getting results. 
 
Ali Jasim’s second half penalty secured Iraq their place in the semi-finals, with the West Asian side to play 2016 champions Japan next. 

Saudi Arabia’s Al Shehri optimistic despite heartbreak

Sat, 27 Apr, 2024

Saudi Arabia’s Al Shehri optimistic despite heartbreak

Doha: Saudi Arabia’s AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ campaign may have come to an end but Saad Al Shehri is optimistic about the future, with the head coach confident his players are set to become the new faces of the West Asian nation's football. 

Saudi Arabia’s title defence was ended in the quarter-finals by Uzbekistan on Friday, with the Central Asian side exacting revenge for their loss in the final two years ago. 
 
Al Shehri’s side just couldn’t get a foothold in the game and their situation was made worse by Aiman Yahya’s red card, with Uzbekistan winning 2-0 to book a semi-final date with Indonesia.

Semi-final, 2nd Leg: What they said

Fri, 26 Apr, 2024

Semi-final, 2nd Leg: What they said

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 semi-finals delivered in spectacular fashion over the past few days as the United Arab Emirates’ Al Ain FC and Yokohama F. Marinos of Japan booked their tickets to May’s final.

Having eliminated four-time Asian champions Al Hilal SFC, inaugural winners Al Ain will be aiming to lift the trophy for the second time while Yokohama, who ousted Ulsan Hyundai FC on penalties, are set to appear in the showpiece event for the first time. 
 
Following a pair of semi-final second legs that will live long in the memory, the-AFC.com looks back at what those involved had to say.