LATEST NEWS - SAFF

Soares hails title-chasing Saudi Arabia’s grit

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Soares hails title-chasing Saudi Arabia’s grit

Shenzhen: Marcos Soares was a delighted head coach after his Saudi Arabia side battled hard to overcome Korea Republic in their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 semi-final on Wednesday. 

With only 37 percent ball possession and one shot on target throughout the 120 minutes of action, Soares needed his team to show a different side to their game in the penalty shootout and that they did, triumphing 3-2 to move within one match of lifting the title last won in 2018. 

Goalkeeper Hamed Yousef was Saudi Arabia’s hero, denying Kim Tae-won and Kim Gyeol in the shootout with Soares applauding the Al Ittihad player for his focus and determination. 

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_asian_cup.html/video/afcu20-|-semi-final-saudi-arabia-0-3-2-0-korea-republic

Saudi Arabia edge Korea Republic on penalties to make final

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Saudi Arabia edge Korea Republic on penalties to make final

Shenzhen: Saudi Arabia advanced into the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 final after defeating Korea Republic 3-2 on penalties after their last four tie ended in a goalless draw after 120 minutes on Wednesday.

Goalkeeper Hamed Yousef was Saudi Arabia’s hero after he saved two spot-kicks in the shootout, with a final against Australia to come on Saturday.

Korea Republic’s wait for a record-extending 13th title continues with the East Asian side last emerging champions in 2012. 

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_asian_cup.html/photo/s-final-saudi-arabia-v-korea-republic

Preview - SF: Saudi Arabia v Korea Republic

Wed, 26 Feb, 2025

Preview - SF: Saudi Arabia v Korea Republic

Shenzhen: Saudi Arabia are hoping to overcome key absences when they face Korea Republic in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 semi-finals on Wednesday.

Saud Harun and Ali Barnawi are suspended with head coach Marcos Soares looking to his squad to compensate for their absences in defence as he targets to give Korea Republic a big challenge for a place in Saturday’s final.

Ronaldo-inspired Haqawi determined to make his mark

Tue, 25 Feb, 2025

Ronaldo-inspired Haqawi determined to make his mark

Shenzhen: Saad Haqawi is one of Saudi Arabia’s brightest talents, a player whose rise is driven by skill, hard work and a deep admiration for one of the game’s greatest ever players – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Haqawi’s journey is only just beginning, with the young star destined to leave a lasting impression at the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025, as the-AFC.com discovers.

The young Al Nassr Club forward has already showcased his goal-scoring ability, netting the decisive goal against Jordan in the group stage that helped Saudi Arabia set the tone for the rest of the tournament.

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad, Al Sadd strike crucial blows in Saudi Arabia, Qatar

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad, Al Sadd strike crucial blows in Saudi Arabia, Qatar

Doha: Al Ittihad turned on the power to defeat Al Hilal SFC as they took a firm grip on the Saudi Pro League title race.

In Qatar, defending champions Al Sadd SC moved within a point of Al Duhail SC after a 2-0 win in their top-of-the-table clash.
 
There were also matches in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon and Oman so join the-AFC.com as we review the latest round of domestic action across West Asia.

Soares: Luck on Saudi Arabia’s side

Sat, 22 Feb, 2025

Soares: Luck on Saudi Arabia’s side

Shenzhen: Head coach Marcos Soares was quick to admit that Saudi Arabia’s progress to the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 semi-finals was partly down to luck. 

Amar Al Yuhaybi scored against the run of play five minutes into second half stoppage time to send the three-time champions not only a step closer to a fourth title but also sealed their place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_asian_cup.html/video/afcu20-|-quarter-final-saudi-arabia-1-0-china-pr

QF: Saudi Arabia’s Yuhaybi breaks China PR hearts

Sun, 23 Feb, 2025

QF: Saudi Arabia’s Yuhaybi breaks China PR hearts

Shenzhen:  Amar Al Yuhaybi struck deep into time added on as Saudi Arabia defeated China PR 1-0 in their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 quarter-final at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Centre Stadium on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia, who are now on their way to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, will play either 12-time winners Korea Republic or defending champions Uzbekistan in the China 2025 semi-finals on Wednesday.

China PR, meanwhile, were left to rue numerous missed opportunities - including a penalty - as they exited the competition.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_asian_cup.html/photo/q-final-saudi-arabia-v-china-pr

Preview - Quarter-final: Saudi Arabia v China PR

Sat, 22 Feb, 2025

Preview - Quarter-final: Saudi Arabia v China PR

Shenzhen: Saudi Arabia and China PR’s respective qualifying journeys to their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 quarter-final showdown on Saturday were as different as night and day.

Saudi Arabia had to wait until their final Group B tie, registering a come-from-behind 2-1 win over DPR Korea to book their berth. The three-time champions defeated Jordan 1-0 in their opening tie and had a player sent off in their 1-0 loss to a superior Iraq. 

Group A runners-up China PR, on the other hand, qualified with a match to spare. The East Asians beat Qatar 2-1 and went on a scoring spree against Kyrgyz Republic - winning 5-2 before falling 2-1 to table-toppers Australia.