Kuwait Blanks China 5-0 to Win Group D at AFC Futsal Championship

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Kuwait romped into the quarterfinals as the Group D winner after thumping China 5-0 in the last group match of the AFC Futsal Championship 2012 here at Al Shabab Club Stadium.

The ‘dark horse’ of the tournament as termed by the local journalists, emerged as the group leaders by virtue of goal difference with three-time AFC Futsal Champions Uzbekistan ending the group campaign with equal seven points but less superior goal difference. Uzbekistan and Kuwait had played 1-1 draw in the opening match two days ago.

Kazma SC forward Ahmad Alfarsi scored a hattrick coupled with a goal each from Shaker Almutairi and Abdulrahman Almosabehi to seal the emphatic win over China who came in the tournament as one of the favourites to at least reach in the knockout stages.

“This is football / futsal, one day off and its gone,” China’s Brazilian coach Guilherme Carvalho (Franco Da SIl Veira) said. Guilherme termed today’s defeat as the worst defeat he has suffered while coach for China.

“Losing is not a big deal but you have to analyze the way you have lost and on that one there were mental block for my players, they could not emerge unscathed from it,” the Brazilian, whose contract with the China national futsal team is finishing this December, said.

Ahmad put Kuwait 2-0 up in the 10th and 16th minute, forcing China to grow more adventurous in the second half. China had a couple of moments in the early part of the second half but once Ahmad completed his hattrick in the 28th minute, they lost the plot.

“We resorted on power play but our Power-player Hu Jie was suspended for this match but its not only about only player, Kuwait played their match of life and we probably played the worst game,” Guilherme concluded.

Shaker continued his fine goalscoring run in the tournament as he notched Kuwait’s 4th in the 30th minute while Almosabehi wrapped up the thumping act by scoring the fifth goal and ensuring top spot for the Kuwaitis.

“It’s not confirmed but I, in fact everyone, would prefer Australia as your opponent than Iran in the quarterfinal,” jubilant Kuwait coach Fonseca Cilleros told anticipating media at the Al Shabab Club Stadium.

“I am very proud of my boys who put their hearts to win this match and it’s not only we are in the quarterfinals but we are group winners which is very important so we will try keeping on the pace we have set in the tournament.

Cilleros’ contract finishes after this championship with Kuwait national futsal team but he is ready to lead Kuwait in the FIFA Futsal World Cup, if they manage to be there.

“Of course, I will like but it’s not in my hand, my job finishes after three days,” said the veteran Spanish futsal coach, who have coached seven clubs across Spain in the Super League.