Women’s Futsal Asian Cup Qualifiers: Nine Spots Up for Grabs at China 2025 Finals

Opening Matches Deliver High Drama as Teams Battle for a Place in the Finals

The AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup China 2025 qualifiers began on January 11, with 18 nations competing for nine coveted spots in the Finals. Matches are being held in Thailand, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, and Myanmar.

(Main picture: Australian Women’s National Futsal team, source of the image: AFC website)

Teams must finish in the top two of their groups or secure the best third-place ranking to join hosts China, along with 2018 finalists Iran and Japan, in the Finals. This is the first time a qualifying stage has been introduced for the tournament, now in its third edition. Iran previously claimed the title in 2015 and 2018.

The top three teams at the China 2025 Finals, scheduled for May 7–18, will also secure places in the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, hosted by the Philippines.

Group A: Bahrain and Thailand shine

 
Group A has seen high-scoring games and fierce competition in the opening days.

On Matchday One, Bahrain and Lebanon played out a closely contested 1–1 draw. Lebanon struck first through Marie Joe Wakim, but Bahrain equalized in the second half with Alanood Alkhalifa’s effort.

Bahrain v Lebanon, source of the image: AFC website

In the same round, Iraq and Palestine also shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw. Palestine took the lead with Nour Youssef’s goal, only for Iraq to equalize shortly after with an own goal by Sireen Ghattas.

Matchday Two saw Bahrain surge to the top of the group with a thrilling 9–5 victory over Iraq. Bahrain’s early onslaught gave them a 3–0 lead within four minutes, and despite Iraq’s fightback in the second half, Bahrain’s attack proved unstoppable. Alnood Alkhalifa and Amira Sowar delivered standout performances.

Thailand, meanwhile, displayed their dominance with an emphatic 8–1 victory over Palestine. The hosts were relentless, with Arriya Saetoen and Jenjira Bubpha leading the charge. Thailand’s win positions them strongly alongside Bahrain, with Iraq and Palestine still searching for their first wins.

Group B: Ready to begin

 
Group B matches are set to kick off on January 15 in Yogyakarta. Hong Kong will face India, and hosts Indonesia will take on the Kyrgyz Republic.

Group C: Australia’s dominance and a thrilling draw

 
Group C has delivered exciting matches so far.

On Matchday One, Australia opened their campaign with a commanding 6–1 win over Turkmenistan. Early goals from Nikkita Fazzari and Trudy Camilleri set the tone, while Marianna Tabain and Claudia Fruscalzo added to the tally.

The Philippines also started strongly, defeating Kuwait 4–1. Katrina Guillou and Dionesa Tolentin shone for the Philippines, with Kuwait’s Shrouq Mohammad scoring their only goal.

Matchday Two featured a dramatic clash between the Philippines and Uzbekistan, which ended in a 3–3 draw. The Philippines took the lead twice through Isabella Flanigan and Katrina Guillou, but Uzbekistan’s Lyudmila Karachik equalized each time and gave her team a late lead. Judy Connolly ensured a share of the points with a last-minute goal for the Philippines.

Philippines v Uzbekistan, source of the image: AFC website

Australia continued their strong form with a dominant 5–0 victory over Kuwait. Gisella Pipino and Trudy Camilleri starred again, and goalkeeper Jessica Mclean capped the win with a penalty goal. Kuwait missed two penalty chances, including a late effort from Noor Alherz.

Group D: Yet to begin

 
Group D is set to commence on January 15, with Chinese Taipei facing Macau and Vietnam, the ASEAN champions, taking on hosts Myanmar.

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