Australia upend Japan to waltz into title decider

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Australia upend Japan to waltz into title decider

Shenzhen:  Australia produced a dominant second half display to defeat Japan 2-0 in their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 semi-final at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Wednesday.

Goals from Musa Toure and Jaylan Pearman kept Australia on course for a first title, with the Young Socceroos to meet Saudi Arabia in the final on Saturday. 

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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. 

Kim focused on matching illustrious Korea Republic predecessors

Tue, 25 Feb, 2025

Kim focused on matching illustrious Korea Republic predecessors

Shenzhen: Kim Tae-won is leading in more ways than one in Korea Republic’s quest for a record-extending 13th AFC U20 Asian Cup™ title at China 2025.

The forward, together with Uzbekistan’s Muhammadali Urinboev, is topping the scorers chart with four goals despite having played different roles in Korea Republic’s campaign. 

Capable of leading the line, Kim has also featured as the second striker and attacking midfielder, with the captain playing a prominent role in head coach Lee Chang-won’s plans. 

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.

Ozeki wants Japan to stand tall in the eyes of the world

Tue, 25 Feb, 2025

Ozeki wants Japan to stand tall in the eyes of the world

Shenzhen: The initial target has been met but as far as Yuto Ozeki is concerned, Japan must go all the way at the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025.

The hard-fought quarter-final win against Islamic Republic of Iran meant FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 qualification was met but Ozeki shares with the-AFC.com that his vision is for Japan to head to the global showpiece as Asian champions. 

Talladira aiming high with Young Socceroos

Tue, 25 Feb, 2025

Talladira aiming high with Young Socceroos

Shenzhen: As the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 approaches its thrilling finale, one player’s journey stands out — Australia’s Fabian Talladira. 

The youngster, as the-AFC.com finds out, was destined to play the game. 

#ACLElite - Vote for your best goal MD8 (West)

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

#ACLElite - Vote for your best goal MD8 (West)

Kuala Lumpur: An enthralling final matchday of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 in the West Zone saw Esteghlal FC of Islamic Republic of Iran, Qatar’s Al Rayyan SC and Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan take up the remaining three Round of 16 spots.

A total of 15 goals were scored across the six matches, the-AFC.com picks out five of the best and invites you - the fans - to choose your favourite one.