Semifinal Rout Sends Iran, China Into AYG Futsal Finals

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Khalifa Sports City Hall hosted yesterday’s U17 futsal semifinals at the Asian Youth Games, producing resounding results that set the stage for the medal matches.

In the girls’ bracket, China demonstrated their trademark pressing against Hong Kong as Ren Yunuo opened the scoring just nine seconds in, with Peng Yaqi and Zhang Lubi quickly extending the lead to 3-0 before the quarter mark. By halftime, China’s fluid rotations and quick interchanges had already established a 6-0 advantage. Later on, Xu Xinyi, Zhao Zitong, Huang Zixi, and Wang Meijia added further goals in the second half, completing a 9-0 win. Hong Kong struggled to contain China’s movement and incisive finishing.

Iran faced Chinese Taipei in the other girls’ semifinal in a closely contested match as both sides exchanged goals to finish 2-2 in regular time, forcing a penalty shootout. Iran converted three penalties to Taipei’s one, earning a place in the final and showing composure under pressure.

In the boys’ bracket, Iran battered Uzbekistan 14-2, with early goals from Sadra Choopani and contributions from Mohammadjavad Noroozi, Hosseinreza Yousefi, and several others. Uzbekistan scored two consolation goals, but Iran’s intensity proved decisive. Meanwhile, Afghanistan defeated Thailand 9-1, with all nine Afghan goals scored by different players, highlighting the team’s collective effort.

Today, the girls’ bronze medal match features Hong Kong versus Chinese Taipei at 4PM, followed by the gold medal clash between China and Iran at 7PM. Tomorrow, the boys’ bronze medal match will see Thailand face Uzbekistan at 4pm, with Afghanistan taking on Iran for the gold medal at 7pm.