KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) — Malaysia’s bid to advance to the knockout rounds of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Futsal Asian Cup in Jakarta has been thrown into turmoil after being drawn in Group D with world number five Iran, as well as Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.
In Asia, 13-time-winners Iran are ranked number one, Afghanistan seventh, Saudi Arabia 13th, and Malaysia 18th.
But Harimau Malaya futsal head coach Rakphol Sainetngam is not perturbed and views the draw positively, saying it is a crucial opportunity for his men to test themselves against the best of the best at the highest level in Asia.
“We have been drawn in a group where every one of our opponents is among the best in Asia. Iran, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia are all strong teams… definitely stronger than Malaysia right now.
“To me, this is a positive situation because it allows us to compete and, at the same time, learn from some of Asia’s best. This opportunity is crucial for our development,” he said in a statement issued by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) today.
Despite the tough task awaiting them in Jakarta from Jan 27-Feb 7, 2026, he still harbours hope that his men can produce some “pleasant surprises” on the Asian stage.
“This time (in Jakarta), we also want to achieve some good results. Personally, I hope we can pull off some surprises in the group stage – just like during the 2026 Asian Cup Qualifiers… no one expected us to reach the Finals.
“I am fully aware of how tough it’s going to be in Jakarta, but throughout my coaching career, I have always produced the unexpected. We will give our best in every match,” he vowed.
The AFC Futsal Asian Cup Finals will see 16 teams divided into four groups, with eight teams advancing to the knockout rounds.
Group A comprises hosts Indonesia, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea; Group B has Thailand, Vietnam, Kuwait and Lebanon; and Group C consists of Japan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Australia.
— BERNAMA
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