Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Nilai: Iran advanced to the final of the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship after beating Thailand 1-0 in their semi-final clash at Nilai Indoor Stadium, Malaysia, on Friday.
Substitute Zohreh Meisami proved the difference for Iran as she scored her first goal of the campaign in the second half following a thrilling first period.
Thailand striker Sasicha Phothiwong spurned the first real opportunity of the game in the opening minute when she went one on one with Iran goalkeeper Farzaneh Tavasoli but her weak attempt was easily tapped away by the diving Tavasoli.
The action quickly shifted to the Thailand half when forward Sepideh Zarrinrad was fouled in the third minute, her subsequent free-kick, however, rattled the woodwork.
A minute later, Iran’s Fereshteh Karimi hit the bar with a free-kick, before Thailand’s Prapasporn Sriroj tried an audacious lob from distance that was smartly stopped by the busy Tavasoli.
After a goalless first half, both sides came out after the break desperate to find the breakthrough, but Thailand seemed to be faltering with their final passes as Iran grew in confidence.
The key moment came in the 32nd minute when Fahimah Zarei’s neat pass connected perfectly with Meisami who fired home with Thailand keeper Pannipa Kamolrat rooted to the spot.
Meisami then had a chance to double her tally, but the 27-year-old forward sent the ball high over the bar when well placed.
It mattered little in the end though, as Iran - despite having to withstand some intense late pressure during which the Thais hit the post twice in a matter of seconds - duly hung on to seal their passage through to Saturday's final against Japan who beat Malaysia 8-1 in the day's later game.