AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam presenting a memento to the Minister for Tourism of South Australia, Mrs Jane Lomax-Smith on Friday. AFC photo by Tom Miletic

ADELAIDE: The Minister for Tourism of South Australia, Mrs Jane Lomax-Smith, MP, organised the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2006 VIP finals function at the Adelaide Convention Centre here on Friday.

Prominently present on the occasion were AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam, FFA CEO John O’Neil and representatives of the top four teams.

In her opening speech, Lomax-Smith said it was a great honour for South Australia to host the championship. “We are particularly proud as this is also the qualifying round for the FIFA Women’s World Cup,Esaid Lomax-Smith. “South Australia has always played a leadership role in women’s rights and was the first city in Australia to allow women to vote."

Bin Hammam applauded the Matildas' performance in their debut Asian competition. “The performance of the Australian national team at the FIFA World Cup in Germany was great. Now Australian women’s footballers have also secured a berth in the FIFA Women’s World Cup which is a big achievement," said Bin Hammam.

“I have no doubt the final between Australia and China will be a great match," added Bin Hammam who also thanked the hosts for their hospitality.

FFA’s O’Neill expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to host the event. “It was a wonderful gesture by the AFC to give us this chance (to host the tournament) so soon after we joined the Asian football family," said O’Neill.