Kikuchi blossoming nicely for Japan

Thu, 16 May, 2024

Kikuchi blossoming nicely for Japan

Bali: Hana Kikuchi not only scored her first goal for Japan in her side’s 4-0 win against China PR at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024, but she also added a second to ensure the defending champions finished the group stage unbeaten.

“These are my first goals for Japan after playing for the national team for a year,” she said. “I failed to find the net in the previous matches because I was very nervous as this is my first Asian Cup, but I did score against China PR and I’m very happy.”

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Bigger responsibilities not a problem for Korea Republic's Phair

Thu, 16 May, 2024

Bigger responsibilities not a problem for Korea Republic's Phair

Bali: As the only player in the Korea Republic U17 Women’s team to have senior international caps, a lot is expected from Casey Phair at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 with the 16-year-old carrying the responsibility with care and motivation.

As her team heads into a semi-final clash with Japan, the Angel City FC player talks to the-AFC.com on the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, Bali, handling expectations and more.

DPR Korea’s Choe back at her goal-scoring best

Thu, 16 May, 2024

DPR Korea’s Choe back at her goal-scoring best

Bali: Choe Il Son was a creator in DPR Korea’s first two AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 Group A matches, setting up opportunities as her side made their way into the semi-finals with a match to spare. 

The forward, however, burst into life against Indonesia on Matchday Three - scoring five goals in 47 minutes and showing the form that helped DPR Korea win the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2024 in March. 

Al Nassr’s Ronaldo an inspiration for Zhong

Wed, 15 May, 2024

Al Nassr’s Ronaldo an inspiration for Zhong

Bali: One of the leading lights of world football for more than two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo has inspired many to fall in love with the game and it is no different for China PR’s Zhong Yuxin.

The talented 16-year-old pinpoints the iconic Portugal star as the very reason why she got into the sport, as the-AFC.com gets up close and personal with Zhong at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024.

Group Stage - Facts & Figures

Wed, 15 May, 2024

Group Stage - Facts & Figures

Bali: The group stage of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 concluded on Monday with the continent’s emerging stars proving their worth.

Ahead of the semi-finals which will see Korea Republic facing Japan and China PR meeting DPR Korea, the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures from the group stage.

#U17WAC - Vote for your Goal of the Group Stage

Tue, 14 May, 2024

#U17WAC - Vote for your Goal of the Group Stage

Bali: Only four teams remain in the hunt for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 title after the group stage came to a close on Monday after six days of non-stop action.

Across 12 matches at the Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium and Bali United Training Center Stadium, a total of 66 goals lit up the scoreboard, with numerous impressive shots stealing the spotlight. The-AFC.com has highlighted eight of the finest goals and ask you, the fans, to choose your favourite by voting below.

#U17WAC - Semi-finalists decided

Mon, 13 May, 2024

#U17WAC - Semi-finalists decided

Bali: The AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 semi-finals was finalised on Monday with Japan topping Group B after defeating China PR 4-0.

Both teams, alongside DPR Korea, had qualified for the last four stage after Matchday Two, with Korea Republic the last team to join the cast on Sunday.

#ACLFinal 1st Leg: What They Said

Tue, 14 May, 2024

#ACLFinal 1st Leg: What They Said

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League™ 2023/24 Final is at the halfway stage with Yokohama F. Marinos holding a narrow advantage following a 2-1 triumph at home against Al Ain FC.

Mohammed Abbas gave the Emiratis an early lead at Yokohama International Stadium before second-half strikes from Asahi Uenaka and Kota Watanabe meant the Marinos will take what could be a priceless lead to Al Ain for the second leg on May 25.

As the two teams now look ahead to the return meeting, the-AFC.com looks back at what some of those involved had to say about the first leg.

Europe Wrap: Machida hits winner in Belgian Cup final; Miyazawa lifts FA Cup

Tue, 14 May, 2024

Europe Wrap: Machida hits winner in Belgian Cup final; Miyazawa lifts FA Cup

Kuala Lumpur: Japanese defender Koki Machida stabbed home from a corner in the dying seconds of the first half to help Union Saint-Gilloise edge Royal Antwerp 1-0 in the Belgian Cup final in Brussels on Thursday and secure the title for the third time.

Another Japanese star also experienced cup glory during the week as Hinata Miyazawa lifted the Women’s FA Cup in England with Manchester United while Australia full-back Ellie Carpenter’s Lyon set up a title showdown with Clare Hunt’s Paris Saint-Germain in France.

Lee Jae-sung struck twice to help Mainz down Borussia Dortmund 3-0 in Germany, Islamic Republic of Iran striker Mehdi Taremi hit a late winner for FC Porto in Portugal and Bahrain’s Abdulla Yusuf Helal scored for Mlada Boleslav in the Czech Republic, so join the-AFC.com as we find out how the Asian stars performed in Europe over the past week.