Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Zurich: Reigning AFC U-16 champions Japan will face USA, Senegal and Netherlands in the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil following the draw ceremony in Zurich on Thursday.
Japan, who defeated Tajikistan to lift the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship title in Kuala Lumpur, will fancy their chances of advancing to the knockout stage in their ninth appearance in the Finals.
Tajikistan, meanwhile, were drawn in Group E with Spain, Argentina and Cameroon and the Central Asians - who will be making their second appearance in the Finals - will be eager to test themselves after their fabulous run in the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Japan clinched the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 title after securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tajikistan in the final at the National Stadium on Sunday.
Jun Nishikawa's 63rd minute strike secured Japan a record third AFC U-16 Championship title as Yoshiro Moriyama's side overcame a steely Tajikistan.
Both sides opted for a cautious approach in the opening minutes but Japan, who made four changes to the lineup that had started in the semi-final against Australia, slowly gained the upperhand with Nishikawa on the left flank sending crosses into the box.
Tajikistan, who were camped mostly in their own half, depended on counter attacks and Rustam Soirov had a glimpse at goal in the 10th minute when he made his way past two defenders but shot wide.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Jun Nishikawa was named the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 Most Valuable Player (MVP) after steering Japan to their third title with a 1-0 victory over Tajikistan in the final at the National Stadium on Sunday.
Nishikawa scored the winning goal in the final but was a key component in Japan’s march to the title with sterling performances throughout the tournament.
"I didn't score any goals before this game, so going into the match I really wanted to score against Tajikistan, and I did it and I'm really glad. It's a great feeling winning the MVP in Asia, I'm really happy and it is a good achievement for me," said Nishikawa.
"We've had a lot of tournaments and training camps with this team, we have really good chemistry and unity so it's really important to win the tournament with this team. I really want to try and improve towards the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru and have a great tournament."
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dushanbe: Tajikistan’s U-16 squad returned to a heroes’ welcome on Wednesday after their remarkable achievement of reaching the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 final and securing a 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup berth.
Tajikistan’s young stars met the country's President Emomali Rahmon on Thursday, who congratulated and thanked every member of the squad for their hard work on the Continental stage.
President Rahmon has allocated 660,000 Tajikistani Somoni to the Tajikistan youth team, and all 33 members of the U-16 national team were rewarded with 20,000 Tajikistani Somoni.