Salman hails Asian match resumption as Japan stun Iran to claim futsal title

October 10 – Japan claim their fourth AFC Asian Futsal Cup title in Kuwait City on Saturday, beating Iran 3-2 in the final at Saad Al Abdullah Hall.

Iran scored 37 goals and conceded only two in their run to the final but failed to win their AFC futsal title despite taking the lead thanks to Saied Ahmad's goal Abbasi in the 15th minute.

It was short-lived. Kazuya Shimizu called off his lead a minute later. Japan took the lead in the second half thanks to Arthur Oliveira's free kick, and Iran went further behind when Abbasi scored an own goal in the final minute. Alireza Javan Shahkali's latest effort came too late as Iran were denied a record 13th title.

Japanese coach Kenichiro Kogure (who is also the head coach of Japan U-20s) watched his team reclaim a trophy they last won in 2014.

“The team has lived as one team throughout this period, which began on September 5, and this has allowed us to spend time together, on and off the pitch. It gave us the energy to stick together as a family, Kogure said.

"During the last month, we had a lot of difficult moments, but we were able to keep talking about improving. The bond between us was strong like a family. The title is the fruit of this bond. AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: "After more than four years, we have seen the return of Asian futsal thanks to the unity of our participating member associations, another clear sign that football Asian is well on its way to a full recovery.

"As first-time organisers, the KFA and LOC have delivered an exemplary tournament under exceptional circumstances and their commitment to developing the sport deserves our praise," he continued.

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"As stated in the AFC's vision and mission, we are unwavering in our ambitions to deliver world-class competitions for our member associations and there is no denying that the KFA and LOC have strengthened the foundations of the future editions of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup."

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