Synopsis
In the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2025 opener, the Chinese men's beach soccer team lost 5-3 to Saudi Arabia in Pattaya. The match showcased significant momentum changes, with both teams trading leads before Saudi Arabia secured victory.Key Takeaways
- China lost 5-3 to Saudi Arabia in their first match.
- Guo Wei scored a remarkable goal from his own goal line.
- Liu Yisi and Majed Shamhani each scored stunning free-kicks.
- Saudi Arabia scored the final penalty securing their win.
- China will next face Iraq in the tournament.
Pattaya, March 20 (NationPress) The Chinese men's beach soccer team suffered a 5-3 defeat against Saudi Arabia during their first Group B match of the AFC Beach Soccer Asian Cup 2025 in Pattaya on Thursday. The match featured intense momentum shifts throughout.
China initially took the lead with a rapid counterattack, but Saudi Arabia equalized late in the first period. In the second half, Saudi Arabia briefly surged ahead. However, China quickly responded when goalkeeper Guo Wei launched a powerful shot from his own goal line, bringing the score to 2-2, as reported by Xinhua.
As the second period neared its conclusion, the action escalated. China regained the advantage with a stunning left-footed free-kick from Liu Yisi after a Saudi handball. Yet, Saudi Arabia's Majed Shamhani matched this with his own free-kick, prompted by a Chinese handball, resulting in a tie of 3-3.
Saudi Arabia took control in the final period with a header in the 27th minute. China's chances dwindled as their opponent netted a penalty in the closing moments, finalizing Saudi Arabia's 5-3 victory.
The 16-team tournament features China in Group B alongside Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. In another group match on Thursday, Japan narrowly defeated Iraq 4-3. China's next challenge is against Iraq on Saturday, while Saudi Arabia faces group leaders Japan.
In contrast, the Indian team faced a 0-3 loss against hosts Thailand in the opening match of Group A.
Making their first appearance at the Beach Soccer Asian Cup since 2007, India began strong, keeping the hosts scoreless in an evenly matched first period, creating several opportunities. However, Thailand's experience prevailed, overpowering the Indians in the subsequent periods with goals from Jake Stoten (21st minute), Ratthaphong Nadee (29th minute), and Komkrit Nanan (33rd minute). A beach soccer match consists of three periods of 12 minutes each.
India will compete against Kuwait in their second match on Saturday, after Kuwait's 4-5 loss to Lebanon earlier in the day. The top two teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals.
