IR Iran lifted the AFC Futsal Championship title on Sunday after beating Uzbekistan 2-1 in the final in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Both teams, together with Australia, Thailand and Vietnam, had already qualified to represent Asia at FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016.
AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said: “I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to IR Iran for their win and their magnificent performances throughout the tournament. The Uzbekistan team should also be congratulated for their brilliant efforts in this Central Zone final.
“My congratulations go also to the “team behind the team”, the delegation and the IR Iran Football Federation. I am pleased to note that the AFC has such a strong group of five going into the FIFA World Cup in Colombia later on this year.”
The AFC President went on to thank the local organisers: “The tournament has been a resounding success and I would like to extend my gratitude to the Uzbekistan Local Organising Committee and the Uzbekistan Football Federation for all their hard work to help deliver this world-class event.”
Sunday’s final was an eagerly anticipated encounter with both silverware and regional pride on offer for the two Central Asian futsal powerhouses.
This time around, however, it was IR Iran, as Mohammad Keshavarz and Ghodrat Bahadori scored in the first half to help the Iranians secure an 11th AFC Futsal Championship title.
