AFC Futsal Asian Cup
While Japan qualified with a match to spare after beating Tajikistan 3-0, Nodir Elibaev’s men - who are on four points after defeating Australia 4-2, cannot afford to lose on Sunday.
Waiting in the wings are their Central Asian neighbours Tajikistan, who have a chance of taking the remaining spot if they beat Australia and Uzbekistan fall to the four-time champions.
Waiting in the wings are their Central Asian neighbours Tajikistan, who have a chance of taking the remaining spot if they beat Australia and Uzbekistan fall to the four-time champions.
#ACFutsal2026 | Group C: Tajikistan 0-3 Japan
Japan toiled for a first goal, but dominated proceedings and head coach Kensuke Takahashi was satisfied with the result, which places their 2024 group stage exit in the shade.
“I told my team we had to win by a big margin, but I am pleased because we have qualified,” he said. “We improved our tactics, were patient in attacking and had a very strong defence and achieved our target.”
“I told my team we had to win by a big margin, but I am pleased because we have qualified,” he said. “We improved our tactics, were patient in attacking and had a very strong defence and achieved our target.”
He will next set out to refine an already impressive team.
“Uzbekistan are physically strong and have a good competition history. But we also have a similar history, so we will now try to improve on what is a good squad.
“It will be a difficult match, but Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have almost the same playing style, so we will try to fix any weaknesses we found today.”
“Uzbekistan are physically strong and have a good competition history. But we also have a similar history, so we will now try to improve on what is a good squad.
“It will be a difficult match, but Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have almost the same playing style, so we will try to fix any weaknesses we found today.”
Uzbekistan clawed their way back from two goals down and took the lead before the break, punctuating their second-half dominance with a final goal.
Head coach Elibaev, however, was not satisfied with his men.
“Yes, we came back from two goals (to win) but we can play better,” he said. “I told my players after (conceding) that they had to be more aggressive and follow our set play plan more closely.”
Head coach Elibaev, however, was not satisfied with his men.
“Yes, we came back from two goals (to win) but we can play better,” he said. “I told my players after (conceding) that they had to be more aggressive and follow our set play plan more closely.”
While his team need to work on their mindset, Elibaev is nothing but confident.
“We only need to improve our mentality to play much better because Japan won’t give us any chances if we play like we did today.
“They are one of the strongest sides in Asia and in all aspects, Japan are way ahead. But we will work it out and win.”
Japan v Uzbekistan
Venue: Indonesia Arena
Kick-off: Sunday, 15:00 (UTC+7)
“We only need to improve our mentality to play much better because Japan won’t give us any chances if we play like we did today.
“They are one of the strongest sides in Asia and in all aspects, Japan are way ahead. But we will work it out and win.”
Japan v Uzbekistan
Venue: Indonesia Arena
Kick-off: Sunday, 15:00 (UTC+7)
Tajikistan held off Japan for the better part, only allowing them their first goal in the 18th minute but despite their best efforts, Pairav Vohidov’s side had to admit defeat.
“It was a tough match with a lot of pressure, especially in the second half. But our players played very well,” he said. “They were not ready mentally and emotionally, however, and because of that we made some mistakes.”
“It was a tough match with a lot of pressure, especially in the second half. But our players played very well,” he said. “They were not ready mentally and emotionally, however, and because of that we made some mistakes.”
Vohidov knows qualification would have to depend on the outcome from the other match.
“We have reviewed our approach and prepared our players. But whatever the day brings, in the end we need to finish with a win.”
“We have reviewed our approach and prepared our players. But whatever the day brings, in the end we need to finish with a win.”
#ACFutsal2026 | Group C: Australia 2-4 Uzbekistan
Australia were expecting to coast after taking a two-goal lead, but allowed a calm and collected Uzbekistan side to draw level and then close down any chances of a comeback.
“Uzbekistan are very good at what they do and constantly had different solutions,” said head coach Miles Downie. “There was a lapse after we scored, we made tactical errors and did not read the situation with their keeper, who played very well.”
“Uzbekistan are very good at what they do and constantly had different solutions,” said head coach Miles Downie. “There was a lapse after we scored, we made tactical errors and did not read the situation with their keeper, who played very well.”
The 44-year-old wants his side to finish strongly against Tajikistan.
“The team will need some picking up, but they always give their best. We may lack certain things but not attitude and effort, which are spot on.”
Tajikistan v Australia
Venue: Indonesia International Velodrome
Kick-off: Sunday, 15:00 (UTC+7)
“The team will need some picking up, but they always give their best. We may lack certain things but not attitude and effort, which are spot on.”
Tajikistan v Australia
Venue: Indonesia International Velodrome
Kick-off: Sunday, 15:00 (UTC+7)
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