The stage is set for the AFC Futsal Asian Cup in Indonesia next year following the conclusion of Group D of the Qualifiers last night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Iraq emerged as the top team in Group D following a 2-1 defeat of Saudi Arabia, completing their campaign with a perfect record of three victories. There was also joy for Saudi Arabia as they advanced as one of the best seven runners-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two will join Australia (Group A winners), Thailand (Group B), four-time champions Japan (Group C), Vietnam (Group E), Kyrgyz Republic (Group F), titleholders and 13-time winners Islamic Republic of Iran (Group G), Afghanistan (Group H) and hosts Indonesia in the draw on November 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The other six teams that advanced on the best runners-up tickets were Kuwait (Group A), Korea Republic (Group B), Tajikistan (Group C), Lebanon (Group E), Uzbekistan (Group F) and Malaysia (Group G).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026 will be contested on January 27 to February 7, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last night, Saudi Arabia put Iraq under pressure from the start with Eihab Mohamed and Abdullah Alaqeeli forcing keeper Hussein Naser into action with long range efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Iraq came alive at the fourth minute mark with Muheb Al Taie seeing his shot from distance parried away by Saudi Arabia custodian Humood Aldahhan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their dominance grew and they took the lead a minute later when Salim Al Darraji curled his volley with the outside of his foot, with the ball coming off the right post and settling in the back of the net.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saudi Arabia came close to leveling in the seventh minute but Nawaf Aroan\u2019s shot from distance bounced over Naser before ricocheting off the left post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Iraq came under pressure in the second half with Saudi Arabia looking dangerous every time they ventured forward with Aroan coming close in the 37th minute when he forced Naser into a fine save.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saudi Arabia’s persistence was rewarded moments later when their power play move saw Saleh Alqarni drill home the equaliser off Moath Alasiri\u2019s lay off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Iraq, however, responded in fine fashion, nicking the winner with virtually the last kick of the game when captain Salim Al Husaynat powered home a precise kick-in to seal the Group D top spot.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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