Thailand edge past spirited Tajikistan

FUTSAL – Goalkeeper Arut Senbat was the hero, saving three penalties as Thailand edged Tajikistan 6-5 in a penalty shootout after their AFC Futsal Asian Cup Thailand 2024 semi-final ended 3-3 after extra-time.

Narongsak Wingwon scored the winning penalty as Thailand advanced to the final for the third time. They will face Iran in tomorrow’s decider. Later in the evening, Iran defeated Uzbekistan 5-4 on penalties after their semi-final ended 3-3 after extra-time.

It was heartbreak for Tajikistan, who had led twice in their inaugural appearance in the semi-finals but couldn’t repel Thailand’s incessant attacks.

Missing the suspended Apiwat Chaemcharoen and Muhammad Osamanmusa, Thailand almost conceded within the opening two minutes when Tajikistan’s Fayzali Sardorov slammed his shot against the right post.

Two minutes later, Tajikistan came close again when Firuz Bekmurodov…