Iran Crowned Asian Futsal Champions for the 14th Time
WANA (Feb 07) – Iran’s national futsal team claimed their 14th AFC Futsal Asian Cup title after defeating hosts Indonesia 5–4 on penalties in a dramatic final on Saturday in Jakarta.
The final, held at the Indonesia Arena and kicking off at 3:30 p.m. local time, ended in a thrilling 4–4 draw after regular time. With no winner decided in regulation, the match went into extra time to determine the champion.
No goals were scored in the first five-minute period of extra time. In the second period, both teams found the net once, pushing the score to 5–5 and sending the match to a penalty shootout.
More than 16,000 spectators packed the arena for the final, including around 200 Iranian fans. In the shootout, Iran prevailed 5–4, securing a 9–8 win on aggregate and lifting the Asian Cup trophy for the 14th time in their history.
Indonesia, coached by Hector Souto, delivered an impressive performance. Competing in the tournament for the 11th time, the hosts reached the semifinals for the first time and advanced to their maiden final after eliminating Japan.
Despite their spirited display against the tournament’s most successful side, Indonesia ultimately fell short as Iran relied on their experience to recover from setbacks and seal the title.
Iran head coach Vahid Shamsaei celebrated his second Asian Cup triumph, having previously guided the team to the runner-up finish in 2022 and the championship in 2024.
Iran’s goals in the match were scored by Hossein Tayebi, Mehdi Karimi (two goals), Saeid Ahmadabbasi, and Salar Aghapour.
In addition, Saeid Ahmadabbasi, a member of Iran’s national futsal team, was named Best Player of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup.
Iran starting lineup:
Bagher Mohammadi, Mohammad Hossein Derakhshani, Mehdi Karimi, Salar Aghapour, Behrooz Azimi
Substitutes used:
Mehdi Rostamiha, Amirhossein Gholami, Hossein Sabzi, Mehdi Mehdikhani, Moslem Oladghobad, Saeid Ahmadabbasi, Hossein Tayebi, Ali Khalilvand, Massoud Yousef
Head coach: Vahid Shamsaei
Vahid Shamsaei, head coach of Iran’s national futsal team. Social media / WANA News Agency
