Japan’s triumph makes them the first team to win every AFC Asian Cup™ title across all age-groups and at senior level, both men’s and women’s. 

New star emerges
Sara Oino of Japan became the second different player to win the MVP award, following in the footsteps of Islamic Republic of Iran legend Fereshteh Karimi, who took the honour in 2015 and 2018.

Japan surpassed their past achievements of two runners-up finishes by winning the title, as did Thailand - who finished third in the previous two editions. China PR (fourth) and Hong Kong, China (quarter-finals) also recorded their best-ever placings.

A total of 119 goals were scored across the 26 matches played with China PR leading the way with 20, with Thailand netting 18 and Japan 17. Iran's Maral Torkaman emerged the top scorer with six goals.

Strength in depth
China PR had the most number of different scorers, with 12 of their 14-strong squad doing so at least once.

At 38 years and 114 days old, Farzaneh Tavasoli became the oldest ever player in the competition to find the back of the net after the veteran shortstopper scored Iran’s third in extra time against Chinese Taipei. Additionally, at 45 years and seven days on the opening day of the tournament, Wong Shuk Fan of Hong Kong, China became the competition’s oldest ever squad member.

Japan’s Anna Amishiro and Thailand’s Darika Peanpailun became the only players to score at each of the competition’s three editions.

Japan, Thailand and Islamic Republic of Iran will now seek to conquer the globe with all three having qualified for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup to be hosted by the Philippines in November.