In two matches in Bangkok, she has scored her country’s first ever goal on the continental stage, earned admirers with her skill on the ball and come in for special praise from head coach Maroun El Khoury.

In a tournament where many players have experience on the football pitch as well as the futsal court, Rachid has the distinction of having also played for the Lebanese national team in handball, making her a triple international at the age of the 23.

“Handball was a new experience for me,” said Rachid, who works as a teacher.

“This year was the first cup in Lebanon and we also had the West Asian Championship (in Jordan in February).

“We went and did very well considering we had just started. I like it, but I prefer futsal and football.”

JAPAN v CHINA PR

China PR were tested at times by Bahrain on Matchday One, but delivered an excellent performance to defeat Lebanon 6-0 on Saturday, in a result that secured their appearance in the knockout stage.

They can now win Group C, and avoid a quarter-final against Islamic Republic of Iran, if they are able to surprise 2015 finalists and East Asian rivals Japan, but Chinese captain Wang Ting said she doesn’t mind who she plays.

“We don’t think too much about who our opponent will be, we think about our own team. We will always try our best but we focus on ourselves,” she said.

“We didn’t think we could get six goals (against Lebanon) but we did it, so I believe anything is possible and we will give our all.”

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN v UZBEKISTAN

Uzbekistan’s 3-1 win over Turkmenistan was cause for celebration for Avaz Maksumov’s side, as they secured safe passage to the knockout stage, but the head coach will surely rue the chaotic series of events that occurred in the final moments.

With goalkeeper Laylo Tilovova already having been shown a red card in the first half, replacement shot-stopper Maftna Jonimqulova was disastrously also given her marching orders for handling the ball outside the penalty area just two seconds before full time.

It means Uzbekistan must now face reigning champions Iran, who scored 14 goals in their first match, without their top two goalkeepers, and Maksumov conceded he may need to alter his approach.

Li Jingjing’s first half double set the East Asians on their way, before four Chinese second half goals put the destination of the three competition points beyond doubt.

Hu Jie’s side will have their ticket to Wednesday’s quarter-finals stamped as early as tonight if Bahrain fails to defeat Jordan in Group B’s late kick-off, while Lebanon’s defeat confirms that they will not progress beyond the group stage.

Lebanon entered the game at Bangkok Arena full of optimism after their encouraging showing against 2015 finalists Japan, but their hopes suffered an early blow when Li Jinging gave China the lead with a clever back-heel in the third minute.

Maroun El Khoury’s side responded, forcing Zhang Meini into saves from Rayane Rachid, Nancy Tchaylian and Natahlie Matar in quick succession, before China created a number of chances of their own.

Captain Wang Ting was denied twice by Nathaline Gilinguirian’s fingertips, but the Lebanese shot-stopper was beaten in the final minute of the half as China took command of the contest with a 2-0 lead.

Gilinguirian reached, but couldn’t hold Li Yingqing’s well-struck cross from just inside the corner spot, allowing Li Jinging to help the loose ball over the line from two metres for her second of the match and third of the tournament.