Funakoshi: Japan must improve

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Funakoshi: Japan must improve

Shenzhen: Head coach Yuzo Funakoshi will focus on improvements following Japan’s exit from the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 on Wednesday.

Missing the creative spark of the suspended Kosei Oguro, Japan had to concede to Australia’s superiority as they fell to a 2-0 defeat in their semi-final encounter at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium in Shenzhen.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_asian_cup.html/video/afcu20-|-semi-final-australia-2-0-japan

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Lee blames fatigue for Korea Republic’s defeat

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Lee blames fatigue for Korea Republic’s defeat

Shenzhen: In the end, it was a bridge too far for Korea Republic as their journey in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 came to an end following a 3-2 penalty shootout defeat to Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

The East Asian side, seeking a record-extending 13th title, produced a below par performance with head coach Lee Chang-won admitting the quarter-final win against Uzbekistan - which had also required spot-kicks - had taken a toll on his players. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ match schedule revealed

Wed, 26 Feb, 2025

AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ match schedule revealed

Kuala Lumpur: With just over a year to go until the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ kicks off, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have unveiled the official match schedule of Asia’s premier women’s national team competition. 

Scheduled to take place from March 1 to 21, 2026, the Continental showpiece will see 12 teams in action across three vibrant host cities –  Sydney, Perth and Gold Coast, each featuring spectacular venues, including those used to host matches of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023.