Uzbek, China hurdle for futsal boys

Bernama April 29 Malaysia who topped Group A at the recently held Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Futsal qualifiers will come up against tough encounters, following the draw for the tournament proper which was released Saturday. In the draw for the AFC Futsal Championship from May 21-27, which was conducted at the Zarafshon Hall in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Malaysia were drawn in Group A alongside hosts Uzbekistan, China and Taiwan. "I know that there will be some tough matches but that is no reason why we should not strive to do well in the competition. "I have faith in my players and hope we can spring a surprise or two," said Malaysian National Futsal head coach P. Balakrishnan. Seven-time Asian Futsal champions Iran have been drawn in Group D, regarded as the group of death, alongside Thailand, Indonesia and Turkmenistan. In the last edition, ASEAN Futsal champion, Thailand gained the distinction of holding Iran to their first ever draw in a match that ended 3-3. Japan, runners-up in the last edition, are in Group B with Central Asian powerhouse Tajikistan, Iraq and Hong Kong. Group C is the most open of the four groups with newcomers Australia and Kyrgyzstan, beaten semi-finalists last year, crossing swords with Kuwait and Lebanon. The group phase matches will be played from May 21-24, with the semi-finals - only for the group winners - to be played on May 26. The final will be played on May 27. The draw also ruled out the possibility of a Japan-Iran final as the cross over semi-finals will see Group B winner take on Group D winner while Group A and Group C winners contest each other. GROUPINGS: GROUP A: Uzbekistan, China, Chinese Taipei, MALAYSIA GROUP B: Japan, Tajikistan, Iraq, Hong Kong GROUP C: Australia, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon GROUP D: Iran, Thailand, Indonesia, Turkmenistan