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Competitive Qualifiers Conclude as Nine Teams Join the Final Tournament
The final roster for the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 in China is now complete, with intense competition across all groups determining the last qualifiers. Scheduled for May 6-17, the tournament will feature 16 squads, including defending champions Iran, Japan, and hosts China PR.
The Qualifiers wrapped up on Sunday, with nine teams earning their places alongside the three automatic entrants, setting the stage for an exciting showcase of talent.
Group C Drama in Tashkent
The Philippines secured their spot as the best third-placed team despite a narrow 2-1 defeat to Australia in their concluding match at the Yunusobod Sport Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Australia, making their tournament debut, dominated Group C with a flawless 4-0 record, collecting 12 points. Uzbekistan took second place with a decisive 6-2 victory over Turkmenistan. Despite finishing third, the Filipinas’ seven points from two wins, a draw, and a loss were enough to secure their first-ever AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup appearance.
Group A Concludes with Excitement
Bahrain clinched their place in the Finals with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Palestine, overcoming an early setback. Palestine struck first in the second minute through Dima Alrumhi, but Bahrain equalized moments later when Manar Yaqoob capitalized on a defensive lapse.
Alanood Alkhalifa’s precise corner in the 17th minute set up Hessa Alisa’s stunning volley to put Bahrain ahead before halftime. Despite Palestine’s efforts to equalize, Alisa sealed the win with a late goal, securing Bahrain’s second-place finish.
Meanwhile, Thailand continued their impressive campaign with a commanding 4-0 win over Lebanon to top the group. Darika Peanpailun opened the scoring in the 14th minute, exploiting Lebanon’s power play tactics. Paerploy Huajaipetch doubled the lead before halftime, while Arriya Saetoen and Jenjira Bubpha added two more in the second half to complete Thailand’s unbeaten run.
Group B’s Final Matches Deliver Drama
Indonesia capped their campaign with a convincing 5-0 victory over Hong Kong, China, displaying exceptional attacking flair. Despite both teams having already qualified, Indonesia’s Diyana Herliana and Dinar Kartikasari created early pressure, with Kartikasari eventually breaking the deadlock early in the second half. Nisma Francida Rusdiana and Jein Sitty Way contributed to the emphatic scoreline, with Hong Kong struggling to respond.
Elsewhere, Kyrgyz Republic edged India 4-3 in a closely fought encounter between two eliminated sides. Kyrgyz Republic built a 3-1 halftime lead thanks to goals from Aizhan Boronbekova, Nursuluu Murzakulova, and an unfortunate own goal. India fought back through Khushbu Kashiram Saroj, who scored twice, but a late strike from Nazik Kumyshbek Kyzy secured the win for Kyrgyz Republic.
Group D Wraps Up with High-Scoring Matches
Vietnam claimed the top spot in Group D after a closely contested 2-2 draw with Chinese Taipei. Chen Min-huang opened the scoring for Chinese Taipei in the 10th minute with a spectacular long-range strike, but Vietnam equalized quickly through Le Thi Thanh Ngan’s well-executed finish.
In the second half, Vietnam came close to taking the lead several times, but it was Bien Thi Hang’s curling effort in the 39th minute that secured a share of the points and the top position in the group on goal difference.
In the other match, Myanmar dominated Macau with a commanding 12-1 victory, led by standout performances from May Thet Paing and Wutt Yee Lwin. Macau’s Ho Ka Kei suffered the misfortune of scoring two own goals, contributing to Myanmar’s emphatic display. Despite conceding a late consolation goal, Myanmar’s relentless attack ensured a memorable finish to their campaign.
The Road to China
With the qualifiers now complete, attention shifts to the draw on February 6 in Hohhot, China PR. The tournament will also serve as a pathway to the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup, set to take place later in 2025.
This year’s Asian Cup promises a competitive contest, with debutants like Australia and the Philippines bringing fresh energy, while established teams like Iran and Japan aim to reaffirm their dominance.
Organ Donation
Futsal Focus is a supporter of Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his family’s campaign to raise awareness of Organ Donation. We encourage our readers to learn more about Organ Donation: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/
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