East Asia Wrap: Vissel stay perfect; Ulsan record back-to-back wins

Mon, 06 Mar, 2023

East Asia Wrap: Vissel stay perfect; Ulsan record back-to-back wins

Hong Kong: Vissel Kobe have established themselves as early-season title contenders in Japan after a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Gamba Osaka on Saturday made it three wins from three matches in the J1 League for the club that finished a disappointing 13th in the last campaign. 

In Korea Republic, defending champions Ulsan Hyundai edged Gangwon FC 1-0 on Sunday to maintain their perfect start while title challengers Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors dropped more points. There were also matches taking place in Hong Kong and Guam, so join the-AFC.com as we review the week’s action from East Asia.

Group C: Second half surge takes Korea Republic past Jordan

Sun, 05 Mar, 2023

Group C: Second half surge takes Korea Republic past Jordan

Tashkent: Second half goals from Bae Jun-ho and Kang Seong-jin secured Korea Republic a hard-earned 2-0 win over Jordan at JAR Stadium on Sunday as Kim Eun-jung’s side moved to the verge of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023.

Bae gave the Koreans the lead when he capitalised on a mistake by Jordan goalkeeper Murad Al Faluje in the 65th minute of the Group C clash and Kang doubled his side’s advantage five minutes later with a fine solo effort from outside the area.
 
The win was Korea Republic’s second in a row after kicking off their campaign with a 4-0 defeat of Oman on Thursday and, with six points from their opening pair of matches, Kim’s side now top the standings and are a step closer to claiming a place in the last eight.
 
Jordan, meanwhile, remain on three points and will take on the Omanis on Wednesday knowing a win could still take them into the knockout rounds after they won their first game 2-0 against Tajikistan.

Group C: Komolov's late show inspires Tajikistan to victory

Mon, 06 Mar, 2023

Group C: Komolov's late show inspires Tajikistan to victory

Tashkent: Captain Amadoni Komolov led by example, scoring the winner as Tajikistan defeated Oman 1-0 on Matchday Two of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 Group C on Sunday.

A cagey affair where the midfield battle was the main narrative saw the referee produce six yellow cards as Oman and Tajikistan chased their first win of the tournament following Matchday One defeats to Korea Republic and Jordan respectively. 

Preview - Group D: China PR v Saudi Arabia

Mon, 06 Mar, 2023

Preview - Group D: China PR v Saudi Arabia

Tashkent: Head coach Saleh Al Mohammedi cited Saudi Arabia’s decorated history as inspiration for their current team ahead of their second game in Group D of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 against China PR on Monday.

Three time winners of this competition, the young Green Falcons started their title defence with a narrow 1-0 victory over Kyrgyz Republic, the sole goal coming through an Abdullah Radif penalty early in the second half.

Preview - Group D: Kyrgyz Republic v Japan

Mon, 06 Mar, 2023

Preview - Group D: Kyrgyz Republic v Japan

Tashkent: Japan head coach Koichi Togashi will place his faith in his players’ tactical flexibility as they look to overcome Kyrgyz Republic in Group D of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 at JAR Stadium on Monday and move another step closer to the knockout rounds.

The Japanese were forced to battle back after going a goal down against China PR to register an opening day win on Friday when substitute striker Naoki Kumata netted twice in four minutes to earn Togashi’s side three points.