Courtesy: The Star On line

Malaysia have tough draw in AFC futsal meet

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia have a tough draw as they were placed together with seven-time champions Iran for the ninth edition of the AFC futsal championships scheduled in Japan from May 13-19.

Malaysia ranked 10th in Asia also have China and Lebanon for company in Group D.

Defending champions and hosts Japan who defeated Uzbekistan in the final last year in Tashkent, should face little difficulty in advancing to the last eight from group A after being drawn with Philippines, Hong Kong and Tajikistan.

Asean Football Federation (AFF) champions Thailand and Central Asian side Uzbekistan are favourites to occupy the top two spots and progress to the quarterfinals from Group B which also has difficult West Asian customers in Kuwait and Iraq.

Thailand recently defended their AFF title after defeating Australia in the final while Uzbekistan have reached the final of the Asian futsal showpiece twice – in 2001 and last year in front of home fans.


THE GROUPINGS

Group A: Japan, Tajikistan, Hong Kong, Philippines
Group B: Uzbekistan, Thailand, Kuwait, Iraq
Group C: Kyrgyzstan, Australia, Turkmenistan, Korea Republic
Group D: Iran, China, Malaysia, Lebanon



Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com