Japan, Iran off to flying starts at Asian Fustal Games in Ashgabat

AFC – ASGHABAT, Japan began their defence of the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games women’s futsal title on an emphatic note as they beat China PR 5-2 in the opening Group A clash on Saturday. Islamic Republic of Iran, seen as the greatest threat to Japan, were equally impressive as they beat Palestine in their opening Group B tie.

In Group B action, IR Iran showed they are genuine contenders for the gold medal after scoring a resounding 16-1 win over Palestine in their opening match.

IR Iran, who beat Japan 1-0 to clinch the inaugural AFC Women’s Futsal Championship title in 2015, took an 8-0 lead as four players went on to hit hat-tricks.

Sohila Malmoulitarazi got the ball rolling with IR Iran’s first in the fifth minute before completing her hat-trick in the 19th and 38th minutes.

Joining the hat-trick party were Pereshteh Karimi (11th, 27th, 29th), Sara Shirbeigi (7th,11th, 25th) and Nasimeh Sadat Gholami (17th, 21st, 37th).

IR Iran’s other goals were scored by Fatemeh Papi (15th), Fereshteh Khosravi (10th), Fahimeh Zarei (34th) and Fatemeh Etedadi (35th).

IR Iran coach Shahrzad Mozafar was pleased with the huge win.

“We needed a good goal difference from this match because tomorrow Thailand play Palestine. So we needed to score as many goals as we could to secure first place in our group. We’d prefer to be first, that’s why.

“I believe that not only Japan, but also Thailand have a strong team too.

“I think Japan, Thailand and Iran can be champions of this tournament. So we are thinking not just about Japan, but Thailand have the same chances.”

Results – Women’s Group A: Japan 5-2 China PR, Turkmenistan 1-6 Hong Kong; Group B: Iran 16-1 Palestine.