Jakarta. Indonesia will chase a first-ever AFC Futsal Asian Cup title when they face defending champions Iran in a historic final at the Indonesia Arena on Saturday night.

The hosts booked their place in the final for the first time in tournament history after a dramatic 5-3 extra-time victory over Japan in the semifinals, marking Indonesia’s best-ever finish in Asia’s premier futsal competition. Previously, their deepest run had been a quarterfinal appearance at the 2022 edition in Kuwait.

The hosts sealed their first-ever appearance in the tournament’s final on Thursday night, overcoming Japan in a pulsating semifinal that underscored Indonesia’s growing maturity on the continental stage. Iran, Asia’s dominant futsal force, booked their place in the final earlier by defeating Iraq 4-2.

Indonesia’s semifinal triumph was built on resilience and attacking sharpness. Goals from Samuel Eko, Firman Ardiansyah, Reza Gunawan and Dewa Rizki, along with a Japan own goal by Takehiro Motoishi, carried the hosts through a match that swung repeatedly in momentum.

Indonesia twice led during regulation time but were pegged back by Japan, forcing the contest into extra time at 3-3. Reza Gunawan restored Indonesia’s lead early in the first extra period after capitalising on a defensive error, before Dewa Rizki sealed the win with a decisive strike in the second extra period.

The result marks Indonesia’s best-ever finish at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup, surpassing their previous quarterfinal ceiling. Roared on by home supporters, the team has now beaten Vietnam in the quarterfinals and Japan in the semifinals to reach Saturday’s title match.

Standing in their way is Asia’s futsal powerhouse. Iran advanced to the final after beating Iraq 4-2 and will appear in a record 16th final, extending their run to six consecutive title matches. Iran are the tournament’s most successful nation, with 13 championships, and have won three of the last four editions.

Indonesia head coach Hector Souto has dismissed suggestions that the final is a foregone conclusion. While acknowledging Iran’s pedigree and physical strength, the Spanish coach said his side would approach the final with confidence after their performance against Japan.

The final between Indonesia and Iran will be played on Saturday (Feb. 7) at 7 p.m. local time at the Indonesia Arena, with the hosts aiming to cap a historic campaign by challenging Iran’s long-standing dominance of Asian futsal.