Iran and Italy secured semi-final places in the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic women's futsal tournament on November 3, FIFA reported. Iran recovered from two goals down to beat Cameroon 5-3, while Rita Zappia scored a hat-trick in Italy's 4-1 victory over Costa Rica.
Group B teams secure progress
Andrea Mimbama and Ann Miyanui put Cameroon ahead before Narges Amirmohseni, Tanaz Bagheri and Nafiseh Mohammadi replied for Iran. Mimbama's second brought the teams level again.
After the interval, Amirmohseni scored once more and Setayesh Rezaei added another. Goalkeeper Fatemeh Shokrani kept Cameroon out throughout the second period.
In a separate FIFA interview, Shokrani credited teamwork and concentration. She hopes eventually to play at a Women's Futsal World Cup, with the immediate task still completing the Dakar competition.
Italy's other goal came through Valentina Martinez's own goal, while Mariangel Cedeno scored for Costa Rica.
Group A victories
Ukraine beat Fiji 5-1, with Marharyta Ruchka scoring twice. Anhelina Zaporozhets, Adelina Vlasenko and Oksana Shevchuk also scored, while Kinisimere Botesulu replied for Fiji following a counterattack.
Venezuela defeated hosts Senegal 1-0 through a late long-range effort from Valeska Gutierrez after strong performances from goalkeepers Awa Balde and Antonella Mejia.
Iran next face Italy in their final group match before the November 8 semi-finals, according to FIFA. These results concern youth women's futsal, separate from the U17 Women's World Cup and the men's futsal programme at the Games.