Futsal – Japan defeated Thailand 3-2 on penalties in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup China 2025 final at the Hohhot Sports Centre yesterday, with the thrilling tie ending 3-3 at the end of extra time.
Having twice taken the lead, Japan had to force their way back into the final after Thailand went ahead in extra time as the East Asian side finally lifted the trophy after having finished runners-up in both previous editions.
The match kicked off with Japan looking the more dangerous, especially in transition with Naomi Matsumoto and Risa Ikadai controlling the narrative from the flanks.
A mistake from Arriya Saetoen in the 15th minute presented Japan with the opener, with Yuka Iwasaki pouncing on the loose ball to set up the unmarked Sara Oino, who struck home into the bottom right corner of the net.
Thailand, just as they had done in the group stage encounter, came back fighting with Paerploy Huajaipetch forcing goalkeeper Nene Inoue into a fine save with her stinging shot from distance.
The Southeast Asians, however, were not to be denied and levelled the tie in the 11th minute with Jenjira Bubpha drilling home Nattamon Artkla’s corner from above the arc.
With the momentum in their favour, Thailand went close to going ahead in the 16th minute but Patitta Moolpho’s powerful effort from long range was repelled by Inoue.
Thai custodian Nuengruthai Sorahong then made a brilliant save to deny Anna Amishiro from above the arc with a minute on the clock while at the other end, Sangrawee Meekham fired her shot into a sea of Japan players as the tie remained well poised going into the break.
Japan were quicker to settle after the break and retook the lead a minute in when Aki Ikeuchi sent her corner kick into the path of Oino, who crossed the ball into the box for an unmarked Kyoka Takahashi to shoot into the top left corner.
With Japan making deep runs into their half, Thailand had no option but to push forward and their initiative was rewarded in the 25th minute when Nattamon pounced on an errant pass by Matsumoto and unleashed a ferocious shot which sailed past Inoue and into the back of the net.
Both sides then had chances to win it with Iwasaki seeing her shot saved by Nuengruthai, while Takahashi angled her shot wide of the right post before Sangrawee failed to get her effort on target from close range as the tie went into extra time.
A Japanese defensive lapse in the 43rd minute saw Thailand taking the lead for the first time with a carbon copy strike of their first goal, with Sasikarn Tongdee sending her corner kick to Paerploy Huajaipetch, who drilled her low effort into the back of the net.
Japan refused to drop their heads and forced their way back into the tie in spectacular fashion a minute later, with Mika Eguchi teeing up Yukari Miyahara to finish with aplomb.
The second period of extra time saw Sangrawee keeping out Iwasaki and Eguchi with Thailand’s defence staying firm as the match went to penalties.
After both sides missed their opening spot-kicks, Sangrawee sent her effort wide while Hataichanok Tappakun had her penalty saved by Inoue as Japan won the shootout 3-2.
Meanwhile in the third-place playoff, Iran overcame China to seal their place at the Fifa Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025.
The two-time champions ended their campaign on a high in front of a raucous partisan crowd at the Hohhot Sports Centre, as the 3-1 victory ensured that they will join Thailand and Japan at the inaugural World Cup come November.
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