In Thailand, the Asian Cup 2024 for futsal is in full swing. On April 26, the semi-final stage matches kicked off, with the Tajik futsal team delivering a major surprise by playing on par with the tournament hosts.
The Tajikistan national team, in their quest for a spot in the final of the Asian Cup 2024, narrowly lost to one of the continent's top teams in a penalty shootout. Initially, the match between these teams was dominated by the Thai team, who took the lead. However, before the break, the Tajikistan team managed to level the score at 1-1.
After the break, the guests surged ahead, scoring two goals in quick succession. The tournament hosts had to put in incredible efforts to restore parity. They substituted the goalkeeper for a fifth outfield player, which soon proved successful. Just two and a half minutes before the final whistle, Thailand managed to equalize the score at 3-3.
The two extra times also failed to determine a winner, leading to a penalty shootout where luck favored the tournament hosts, resulting in a 6-5 victory.
Now Thailand awaits the conclusion of the second semi-final, where Uzbekistan and Iran will face off.
Regardless of the final outcome of the current tournament, one of the heroes of these battles is the Tajikistan national team, who sensationally secured a spot in the 2024 World Championship in Uzbekistan, scheduled to take place from September 14 to October 6.
