AFC Futsal Asian Cup
Four-time champions Japan beat Uzbekistan 2-1 on Sunday to close their group stage campaign with a perfect nine points while Afghanistan, making their second showing in the continental showpiece, fell to their first defeat after going down 5-2 to 13-time winners Islamic Republic of Iran.
#ACFutsal2026 | Preview: Quarter-finals
Shoto Yamanaka’s second-half goals saw Japan come from behind to silence Uzbekistan, concluding a Group C run that also saw comprehensive victories against Australia and Tajikistan.
Head coach Kensuke Takahashi was elated with his side’s performance, and confident of making it past the knockout stage.
“The players performed very well and with great patience, and I’m very happy,” said the former national player. "Afghanistan have the potential to be champions but I am confident after winning a tough last game.”
Head coach Kensuke Takahashi was elated with his side’s performance, and confident of making it past the knockout stage.
“The players performed very well and with great patience, and I’m very happy,” said the former national player. "Afghanistan have the potential to be champions but I am confident after winning a tough last game.”
The memory of their group stage exit at the 2024 edition still haunts his side, and Takahashi wants to ensure they have moved on.
“I still cannot forget Thailand but the players will not have to go through the same experience again. But there is no fun to be had now, everyone is serious and focused as our target is to be champions.”
Afghanistan, who made the knockout stage in their 2024 debut, qualified this time around with a match to spare after Group D wins against Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. They fought their way back from three goals down against Iran, but ran out of steam towards the end.
“I still cannot forget Thailand but the players will not have to go through the same experience again. But there is no fun to be had now, everyone is serious and focused as our target is to be champions.”
Afghanistan, who made the knockout stage in their 2024 debut, qualified this time around with a match to spare after Group D wins against Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. They fought their way back from three goals down against Iran, but ran out of steam towards the end.
“The value and potential of the match showed the fans that we can play bravely,” said head coach Majid Mortezaei. “The Iran players have a lot of experience but my players showed good spirit, which we can bring into the quarter-finals.”
The tactician will stick to a tried-and-tested game plan against Japan.
“There’s no difference or problem on who we meet, because we will use the same system. And for the first time in our history, we want to make the last four."
The tactician will stick to a tried-and-tested game plan against Japan.
“There’s no difference or problem on who we meet, because we will use the same system. And for the first time in our history, we want to make the last four."
Japan v Afghanistan
Venue: Jakarta International Velodrome
Kick-off: Tuesday, 17:00 (UTC+7)
Venue: Jakarta International Velodrome
Kick-off: Tuesday, 17:00 (UTC+7)
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