Jenjira and Thailand determined to keep improving

Tue, 13 May, 2025

Jenjira and Thailand determined to keep improving

Hohhot: Heading into the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025, Thailand perhaps flew under the radar as a genuine contender for the crown in the third edition.

If they were, a stunning win on the final matchday of their Group C campaign in Hohhot has definitely changed that perception.

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Rising star Ke Yaoxiang fueling China PR’s dreams

Wed, 14 May, 2025

Rising star Ke Yaoxiang fueling China PR’s dreams

Hohhot: At just 17-years-old, Ke Yaoxing is fast becoming one of the standout names in China PR’s women’s futsal.

Calm on the court but driven, the high school student has been a key figure in China PR’s march into the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025.

From car wash to futsal court, Eguchi is Japan’s game changer

Tue, 13 May, 2025

From car wash to futsal court, Eguchi is Japan’s game changer

Hohhot: Just like Daniel LaRusso in the 1984 classic The Karate Kid, Japan’s Mika Eguchi spends her days doing what looks like ordinary work – washing, scrubbing, waxing. 

But unlike the Hollywood teenager, who trained under Mr. Miyagi, Eguchi’s “wax on - wax off" isn't a hidden lesson in martial arts, it’s her full-time job at a car wash – a demanding 10-hour grind she has balanced for a decade.

By night, however, the 30-year-old transforms. The overalls come off, the futsal foot boots go on and Eguchi becomes a force on the court for both Bardral Urayasu Las Bonitas and Japan.

Futsal is my life, says IR Iran legend Tavasoli

Wed, 14 May, 2025

Futsal is my life, says IR Iran legend Tavasoli

Hohhot: With around 15 seconds left and a 2-1 lead, Islamic Republic of Iran were hanging on in their quarter-final tie against Chinese Taipei on Tuesday evening as Farzaneh Tavasoli saved a shot.

Noticing that her counterpart had pushed up and left the goal unguarded, the goalkeeper took aim and sent a precise goal-kick off the bar and over the line, ensuring defending champions Iran’s passage to the last four of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025.

It was Tavasoli’s first ever tournament goal - and one of the very few things that she had not done in a career laden with trophies and accolades.

Q-final: Thailand 5-2 Hong Kong, China

Tue, 13 May, 2025

Q-final: Thailand 5-2 Hong Kong, China

Hohhot:  A commanding 5-2 win against Hong Kong, China on Tuesday afternoon saw Thailand advance into the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025.

The top-ranked side in Asia, Thailand took control from the start against their opponents - who were appearing in the knockout stage for the first time - and are now one win away from booking their ticket to the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup Philippines 2025.

Q-final: China PR 6-0 Indonesia

Tue, 13 May, 2025

Q-final: China PR 6-0 Indonesia

Hohhot: China PR booked their place in the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 after cruising 6-0 past Indonesia in their last eight tie on Tuesday.

The hosts will meet Thailand in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Q-final: Vietnam 0-2 Japan

Tue, 13 May, 2025

Q-final: Vietnam 0-2 Japan

Hohhot: Japan were at their clinical best as they secured a 2-0 win over Vietnam in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 quarter-finals at the Hohhot Sports Centre on Tuesday.

The two-time runners-up will face either Chinese Taipei or Islamic Republic of Iran in the semi-finals on Thursday, where victory will also book their ticket to the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup Philippines 2025.

Q-final: Chinese Taipei 1-3 IR Iran (AET)

Wed, 14 May, 2025

Q-final: Chinese Taipei 1-3 IR Iran (AET)

Hohhot: The Islamic Republic of Iran stayed on course to win a third AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ title by overcoming Chinese Taipei in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

They were made to sweat for the 3-1 victory at the Hohhot Sports Centre by a determined opposition, who were gunning to reach the last four for the first time.

After the match finished 1-1 at the end of regulation time, Fereshteh Khosravi and Farzaneh Tavasoli netted deep in extra time to make it 13 wins in 14 matches overall.

Thailand’s Darika still daring to dream

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Thailand’s Darika still daring to dream

Hohhot: At 32, Darika Peanpailun is still the force behind Thailand’s futsal team – a relentless competitor with a lethal left foot and a decade of top-level experience.

The dynamic forward has her sights firmly on adding another chapter of success at the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025.

A native of northeastern Thailand, Darika’s journey began when her family encouraged her to pursue her studies in Bangkok.  It was there amidst the vibrant sporting city where she discovered her love for futsal and quickly realised it was more than just a sport.

Japan’s late bloomer Matsumoto chasing World Cup dream

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Japan’s late bloomer Matsumoto chasing World Cup dream

Hohhot: With an empty goal looming after the opposing goalkeeper parried a shot to her, Naomi Matsumoto looked oods-on to score for Japan on Sunday in their AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup™ China 2025 game against Thailand.

Unfortunately, she mistimed the attempt and the chance was gone in an instant. However, instead of wallowing in disappointment, the 27-year-old immediately sprinted the length of the court to execute a successful covering tackle at the other end to snuff out a dangerous counter-attack.

While the Group C match eventually ended in defeat for Japan, that moment encapsulated Matsumoto’s tenacity and her desire to make the most of a futsal career that began relatively late.

Europe Wrap: Hatate, Boyle and Asia’s best in the thick of action

Mon, 12 May, 2025

Europe Wrap: Hatate, Boyle and Asia’s best in the thick of action

Kuala Lumpur: There were goals and assists galore from Reo Hatate, Martin Boyle, Mehdi Taremi, Lee Jae-sung and the rest of the Asian cast as they helped their respective clubs gain crucial points across major European leagues.

Follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe this past week.