Hohhot: The Thai women's futsal team narrowly missed out on claiming the 2025 Asian Championship title, succumbing to Japan in a tense penalty shootout. Despite the setback, the team has successfully qualified for the final round of the Futsal World Cup, marking a significant achievement in their sporting journey.
According to Thai News Agency, the championship final, held at Hohhot Stadium in China, saw Thailand, ranked 5th in the world, face off against Japan, ranked 10th. Japan took an early lead in the 5th minute with a goal from Sara Oino, but Thailand quickly equalized four minutes later with a corner kick that resulted in a goal by Jenjira Bubpha. The first half concluded with a 1-1 draw.
The second half was equally competitive. Japan regained the lead in the 22nd minute with Kyoka Takahashi's goal, only for Thailand to level the score at 2-2 thanks to a long-distance strike by Nattamon Atkla. The deadlock persisted through extra time, with both teams scoring once more, resulting in a 3-3 draw by the end of regulation play.
With the match unresolved, the fate of the championship was decided by penalties. Japan emerged victorious with a 3-2 win in the shootout, securing their first Asian Championship title. Meanwhile, Thailand achieved their best finish in the tournament's history, improving on their previous third-place standings in 2015 and 2018. Both teams, along with Iran, who finished third, have earned spots in the upcoming Futsal World Cup in the Philippines.
Following the match, Thailand's head coach, 'Coach O' Thanathorn Santhanaprasit, expressed his mixed emotions. While disappointed at missing the championship win, he voiced pride in his team's performance, acknowledging the difficulty of the penalty shootout scenario and the pressure on players.
The Thai women's futsal team is set to return home, arriving at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on May 19.