Confident Iran to Lock Horns with Chinese Taipei in AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Chinese Taipei’s defenses will be tested to the fullest when the team meets defending champion Iran in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup China 2025 quarter-finals at the Hohhot Sports Center on Tuesday.
Head coach Hsieh Li-Chua will need to bring out the best from her players with focus on defensive organization and looking for opportunities on the counter against an experienced Iran side.
It has been a mixed bag of results for Chinese Taipei, who started off with a sparkling 6-1 win over Uzbekistan before China rattled them with a 5-3 defeat on Matchday Two.
Chinese Taipei was pushed to the limits in its final group game against Australia, with Liu Chin-ling sealing the three points with four minutes left.
“It is hard for us in the first place to play strong opposition (in women’s futsal), so this is a very good opportunity for us to grow. If we don't take the first step, there won't be any future for Chinese Taipei futsal so this first step is what we need to do,” said Hsieh.
Iran is chasing a third title - having won both previous editions - but has not shown its best form across the group stage.
Foruzan Soleimani’s side was pushed to the limits in its opening match against the Philippines before sealing the win with three minutes left. A 3-1 defeat of Hong Kong, China followed before the Central Asian side played out a 0-0 stalemate against Vietnam on Sunday.
Soleimani, however, will be confident Iran will find its groove in the knockout stage but the 55-year-old is keeping her tactics close to her chest.
