Day One Recap in Solo

After an action-packed day to the start the 2025 Asia-Oceania Cup, here is a recap.

Indonesia win to start home tournament, defeat Australia 2-1

Goals from Yahya Muhaimi and Ikhsan Tabrani saw Indonesia to a 2-1 win over Australia to start the 2025 Asia-Oceania Cup in Solo.

Augustine Murphy’s late goal for Australia to halve the deficit could not dampen the mood, as the defeated finalists from two years ago stuttered on their return to the regional stage.

Buoyed by a pro-Indonesia home crowd, the hosts started well, ultimately rewarded with the opening goal. A flowing team move ended with Muhaimi’s low drive into the bottom left corner, past Australian goalkeeper David Barber.

The second came after the break, Ikhsan Tabrani capitalising on an underhit Taj Lynch backpass, before rounding substitute goalkeeper Christian Tsangas and rolling into an empty net.

Australia pushed to get back into the game but left its run too late, with Alessandro La Verghetta and Connor Bunce combining to come close, before Murphy scored with almost the last kick of the game.

The final whistle sparked celebrations in the stands, as the Indonesian players were serenaded by the local crowd. The team will prepare for Japan tomorrow, while Australia will face the same opponent a day later.

Mehrabian makes his mark, Iran starts strong in title defence

A hat-trick for Moslem Mehrabian has helped Iran to a 6-1 win over Malaysia, as the 2023 winners got off to a good start in Solo.

Amirhossein Ghorbani’s early strike set the tone, and from there, his side had no trouble. Mehrabian, Mehdi Dashtaki and Alireza Ahmadi Mogahadam all found the net before the break, showing why the team is highly fancied in Indonesia.

It was not a seamless Iranian victory, typified by their sole concession, as Adray Uzair controlled and fired home past Iranian goalkeeper Aref Babaeian.

Mehrabian scored twice following that to complete his hat-trick, and was awarded the IFCPF Player of the Match for his efforts. Iran will face South Korea tomorrow, with Malaysia turning their attentions to Thailand.

Deeman’s double powers South Korea past Thailand

A starring performance from Chanathip Deeman has helped Thailand to its first win over the 2025 Asia-Oceania Cup, accounting for South Korea 3-0.

The 21-year-old scored a goal in each half to break the game open, with Attan Tahe rounding out the scoring with a strike midway through the second half.

South Korea struggled to break into the game, with goalkeeper Son Hyesong making a plethora of good saves to keep the score closer than it otherwise might have been.

South Korea will face Iran tomorrow, while Malaysia will await Thailand in its second group match.