AFC Futsal Asian Cup
Both sides qualified for the knockout stage with a match to spare after Thailand’s 6-1 defeat of Kuwait and Vietnam’s 2-0 win over Lebanon.
#ACFutsal2026 | Group B: Kuwait 1-6 Thailand
Thailand were firing on all cylinders in their win over Kuwait, with midfielder Muhammad Osamanmusa stealing the show with four goals. Head coach Rakphol Sainetngam gave all credit to his team and attributed their win to a change of perspective.
“I did not change tactics but instead changed their perspective slightly on how to play, focus and adapt,” he said. “They are learning and growing, and today they controlled the match’s speed and rhythm, playing as a united, motivated team.”
“I did not change tactics but instead changed their perspective slightly on how to play, focus and adapt,” he said. “They are learning and growing, and today they controlled the match’s speed and rhythm, playing as a united, motivated team.”
The 2024 runners-up will have all to play for in their final group outing.
“This will be a big one as it involves our Southeast Asian rivals. We must prevail to avoid meeting the winners of Group A in the quarter-finals, and for Thailand's legacy and pride.”
Vietnam scored in the first and fourth minutes and then went into defensive mode, with head coach Diego Giustozzi admitting he had wanted a larger winning margin.
“We relaxed after the goals and failed to continue our momentum,” said the Argentinian. “I wanted two more but we couldn't deliver. But the victory is more important."
“This will be a big one as it involves our Southeast Asian rivals. We must prevail to avoid meeting the winners of Group A in the quarter-finals, and for Thailand's legacy and pride.”
Vietnam scored in the first and fourth minutes and then went into defensive mode, with head coach Diego Giustozzi admitting he had wanted a larger winning margin.
“We relaxed after the goals and failed to continue our momentum,” said the Argentinian. “I wanted two more but we couldn't deliver. But the victory is more important."
“I’m proud because the players adapted quickly to a slow pitch and stood up against Lebanon, who played well defensively, counter-attacked strongly and contested the entire match.”
The two wins have buoyed Vietnam’s confidence.
“It is better to meet Thailand with six points instead of two or three. We must be at 100 percent because they are big in Asia, with good players, coaches and organisation but we have the will and I am 100 percent confident in my players.”
Thailand v Vietnam
Venue: Indonesia Arena
Kick-off: Saturday, 15:00 (UTC+7)
The two wins have buoyed Vietnam’s confidence.
“It is better to meet Thailand with six points instead of two or three. We must be at 100 percent because they are big in Asia, with good players, coaches and organisation but we have the will and I am 100 percent confident in my players.”
Thailand v Vietnam
Venue: Indonesia Arena
Kick-off: Saturday, 15:00 (UTC+7)
Kuwait will seek a consolation victory against Lebanon after the disappointment of not being able to hold their own till the end against Thailand.
The West Asian side started off matching Thailand blow for blow, but then slowly unraveled as their opponents began to dominate proceedings.
The West Asian side started off matching Thailand blow for blow, but then slowly unraveled as their opponents began to dominate proceedings.
“The first 16 minutes were good, we controlled the ball, played well and matched them,” said head coach Bruno Garcia. “But they scored two in the last minutes of the first half and that threw our game off balance.
“We tried to get back in the second half but they scored their final three goals very fast and it was difficult for us to stay in the game psychologically.”
The West Asian side will still have lots to play for in their last tie.
“We have to reset,” said the Spaniard. “We want to end with a win for pride and our future improvement and growth.”
“We tried to get back in the second half but they scored their final three goals very fast and it was difficult for us to stay in the game psychologically.”
The West Asian side will still have lots to play for in their last tie.
“We have to reset,” said the Spaniard. “We want to end with a win for pride and our future improvement and growth.”
#ACFutsal2026 | Group B: Lebanon 0-2 Vietnam
Lebanon head coach Ricardo Iniguez admitted his side were affected by Vietnam’s early goals.
“We found it hard to regroup after conceding but continued to counter-attack and create openings,” said the 46-year-old. “I’m happy, however, with the way we played the last 10 minutes of the first half and the entirety of the second.”
“We found it hard to regroup after conceding but continued to counter-attack and create openings,” said the 46-year-old. “I’m happy, however, with the way we played the last 10 minutes of the first half and the entirety of the second.”
Iniguez will ensure his team put in maximum effort as they make their exit.
“The players have to work really hard because Kuwait’s style of play is different (from Vietnam). We hope to win because there are no more matches after this.”
Kuwait v Lebanon
Venue: Jakarta International Velodrome
Kick-off: Saturday, 15:00 (UTC+7)
“The players have to work really hard because Kuwait’s style of play is different (from Vietnam). We hope to win because there are no more matches after this.”
Kuwait v Lebanon
Venue: Jakarta International Velodrome
Kick-off: Saturday, 15:00 (UTC+7)
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