AFC Futsal Asian Cup:
Iran begins title defense with Malaysian win
Iran’s title defense started with a 4-1 win against Malaysia in their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Group D opener in Jakarta, Malaysia, on Wednesday.
Malaysia forced Baqer Mohammadi into making two early saves, both efforts from Awalluddin Nawi but it was Iran who would take the lead inside the opening minute.
A mix-up between goalkeeper Syaifuddin Syukri and Saad Sani saw what was supposed to be an easy gather turned into a simple tap-in for Mohammadhossein Derakhshani.
Mohammadi came to the rescue of Iran again in the fifth minute, coming out of his goalmouth to stop a marauding Firdaus Ambiah who had broken through the last line of defense.
Similarly, Syaifuddin had to work hard to prevent the gap from widening, making a smart reflex swing to tip away Salar Aqapour’s rasping drive in the 10th minute and then sticking his leg out in the 18th to clear a volley from the same player before Hossein Tayyebi cracked a shot against the post just before the break.
After the interval, Malaysia continued to soak up Iran’s pressure with the occasional counter attacks looking dangerous but the reigning champion’s efficiency came to the fore in the 25th minute.
Aqapour – from the kick-in – teed up Behrooz Azimi for a precise low strike into the bottom corner which Syaifuddin could do nothing about.
Iran was brimming with confidence now, adding a third a minute later when Tayyebi capitalized on a Malaysian mistake to fire home from the edge of the semi-circle.
Moslem Oladqobad added another for Iran in the 28th minute with Malaysia netting a late consolation through Awalluddin.
Elsewhere in Group D, Afghanistan opened its campaign with an impressive 3-0 win against Saudi Arabia.
Reza Hosseinpour starred with two goals as Afghanistan – quarterfinalist in 2024 – got the resounding start it was seeking.
Japan, meanwhile, signaled its title intentions by overpowering Australia 6-2 in their opening Group C match.
The four-time champion produced a dominating performance at the Indonesia Arena and displayed its attacking talent with six different players finding the back of the net.
On Tuesday, Indonesia produced an attacking masterclass as it kickstarted its Group A campaign with a 5-0 win against Korea Republic.
Iraq also enjoyed an impressive start in the group, securing a thrilling 4-2 win against Kyrgyz Republic.
In Group B, Thailand powered up in the second half to beat a spirited Lebanon 2-0, with goals by Worasak Srirangpirot and Muhammad Osamanmusa giving the 2024 runner-up a well-earned win.
Vietnam came from behind twice to defeat Kuwait 5-4 in a Group B thriller.