China 2025: Facts & Figures

Mon, 03 Mar, 2025

China 2025: Facts & Figures

Shenzhen: After three weeks of scintillating action, the curtains came down on the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 on Saturday.

Australia defeated Saudi Arabia to lift the trophy at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium to cap a memorable tournament for the Young Socceroos.

As Asia's rising stars look to utilise the experience gained to further progress their careers, the-AFC.com presents some interesting facts and figures from the memorable tournament.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_asian_cup.html/video/afcu20-|-group-c-yemen-0-6-ir-iran

Morgan credits Australia’s resilience for historic victory

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Morgan credits Australia’s resilience for historic victory

Shenzhen: Head coach Trevor Morgan lauded his players' mental strength and character after Australia secured the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 title following a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Saudi Arabia in the final on Saturday.

Louis Agosti gave the Young Socceroos the lead in the 25th minute with Saudi Arabia equalising through Talal Haji just before half-time.

With the match ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, Australia held their nerve in the shootout with keeper Steven Hall stepping up to save Bassam Hazazi’s spot-kick to claim their first ever title.

Soares tells Saudi Arabia players to hold heads high

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Soares tells Saudi Arabia players to hold heads high

Shenzhen: Saudi Arabia head coach Marco Soares said his players had no reason to be disappointed  despite their heartbreaking defeat to Australia in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 final at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Saturday.

Talal Haji cancelled out Louis Agosti’s early opener for Australia but it was not to be for Saudi Arabia as they fell 5-4 in the penalty shootout, which meant having to continue their wait for a fourth title. 

Shaikh Salman praises Australia on clinching maiden Continental crown

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Shaikh Salman praises Australia on clinching maiden Continental crown

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Australia on securing their first-ever AFC U20 Asian Cup™ title after defeating three-time winners Saudi Arabia on penalties in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Final at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium in Shenzhen on Saturday.

With the final ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, goalkeeper Steven Hall was the star after saving Bassam Hazazi’s spot-kick as Australia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-4 on penalties.

Preview - R16 (1st Leg): Al Wasl FC (UAE) v Al Sadd SC (QAT)

Tue, 04 Mar, 2025

Preview - R16 (1st Leg): Al Wasl FC (UAE) v Al Sadd SC (QAT)

Dubai: Playing away will hold no fear for Al Sadd SC when they face Al Wasl FC in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 Round of 16 tie on Monday.

It will be the fourth meeting between the two sides with Al Saad having won twice with their most recent encounter - in the League Stage - ending in a 1-1 draw.

Preview - R16 (1st Leg): Esteghlal FC (IRN) v Al Nassr Club (KSA)

Tue, 04 Mar, 2025

Preview - R16 (1st Leg): Esteghlal FC (IRN) v Al Nassr Club (KSA)

Tehran: Esteghlal FC have to end a poor run if they are to beat Al Nassr Club in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 Round of 16 tie on Monday.

Islamic Republic of Iran's Esteghlal are winless in their last five matches against Saudi Arabian clubs while Al Nassr are undefeated in 11 games against teams from the Central Asian nation.  

#ACLElite Match Predictor: League Stage Wrap & Up Next 

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

#ACLElite Match Predictor: League Stage Wrap & Up Next 

Kuala Lumpur: With the League Stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25™ now done and dusted, we reflect on how you performed in the Match Predictor competition. 

From Gwangju’s stunning win against Yokohama F. Marinos to a thrilling 5-4 victory for Al Hilal SFC over Al Ain, there has been no shortage of talking points as we take a closer look at the numbers and give our picks for the Round of 16.  

And if you haven’t been playing up to now, there’s plenty of time to sign up ahead of the knockout rounds kicking off in early March, so come along and join in the fun HERE!

#ACLElite - Bergson wins best goal of MD8 (East) poll

Mon, 03 Mar, 2025

#ACLElite - Bergson wins best goal of MD8 (East) poll

Kuala Lumpur: Bergson's precise strike against against FC Pohang Steelers has been voted as the best goal of Matchday Eight of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 (East).

Bergson's effort in the 52nd minute gave Johor Darul Ta'zim a 2-1 lead in their match against the Korea Republic giants as the Malaysian champions eventually ran out 5-2 winners to seal progression to the Round of 16 in style.

Earning 60% of the votes, Bergson now joins teammate Arif Aiman in advancing to the semi-finals.

#ACLElite Fantasy Football: Star Performers & Top Tips

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025

#ACLElite Fantasy Football: Star Performers & Top Tips

Kuala Lumpur: The stars lit up the League Stage of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/25 and shone brightly for our Fantasy managers too, and there’s sure to be much more to come in the knockout rounds. 

With the Round of 16 kicking off on Monday, there’s still time to reshape your team and bring in the big-hitters to fire your side to glory. And to help you along the way, we’re shining the spotlight on the top performers from the League Stage, so read on before making those big decisions! 

If you haven’t joined the fun yet, you can do so for free by clicking HERE!

#ChallengeLeague contenders eye Knockout Stage success

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

#ChallengeLeague contenders eye Knockout Stage success

Kuala Lumpur: The journey continues for the eight remaining teams in the AFC Challenge League™ 2024/25 on Wednesday, March 5 when the Knockout Stage kicks off.

Having battled past 10 other sides to come through the Group Stage, they will contest their first-leg ties of the Quarter-finals in the quest for glory in the new third-tier Continental men’s competition.