Preview - Group B promises thrillers
Tabriz: The presence of Thailand, Lebanon and Kyrgyz Republic ensures Group B of the AFC U-20 Futsal Championship IR Iran 2019 will produce high quality action which all three head coaches say can only benefit their young players.
Thailand, as hosts of the inaugural edition, finished third with players like Muhammad Osamanmusa and Ronnachai Jungwongsuk going on to make a name for themselves with the national senior squad.
“The first success (for all the teams) is having this tournament. This is the second edition, and congratulations to the AFC for continuing this tournament as it gives needed experience to our younger players,” said Thailand head coach Jose Mendez.
“It’s an opportunity for the players to experience different playstyles, and it’s a good bridge to bring them into the national team.
“We know we’re in a strong group, but I also think it’s quite a well balanced group and it’s going to be tough for all three teams.”
AFC U-20 Futsal Championship 2019
That sentiment was shared by Lebanon, who secured their passage to the Finals by beating Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the regional Qualifiers.
“We are in one of the toughest groups in the Championship, and we only had brief preparation, due to examinations and Ramadhan.
“But the utmost important factor is that we qualified. We have U-16 and U-18 leagues, and we want to bridge the gap between the two, because it is important for the progression and development of futsal in Asia.”
Kyrgyz Republic squeezed into the Finals on better goal difference in the Central Zone Qualifiers after all three teams had finished level on three points, and the significance of making a second consecutive appearance on the Continental stage is important for head coach Nurjan Djetybaev.
“It’s very special for our team to be here,” said Djetybaev, who is no stranger to the sport, having reached six AFC Futsal Championship Finals as a player.
He then further developed as a coach with Dordoi FC in 2010, before leading the next generation of futsal players in 2017.
“This tournament will show the level of our team and our national team. Success here will be good for our national team and country,” added Djetybaev.
Source: the-afc.com
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