Japan live up to Funakoshi’s expectations

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

Japan live up to Funakoshi’s expectations

Shenzhen: Head coach Yuzo Funakoshi was proud of his players’ perseverance after Japan secured a 4-3 penalty victory over Islamic Republic of Iran in their  AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 quarter-final on Sunday.

Having come from behind and then dominating the tie, the match needed a shootout after the match ended 1-1 with Rion Ichihara’s spot-kick taking Japan into the semi-finals and booking their ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup Chile 2025.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_asian_cup.html/video/afcu20-|-quarter-final-ir-iran-1-3-4-1-japan

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3071902

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3071904

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3071906

QF: Japan edge IR Iran on penalties to book last four spot

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

QF: Japan edge IR Iran on penalties to book last four spot

Shenzhen: Rion Ichihara scored the winning penalty as Japan defeated Islamic Republic of Iran 4-3 on penalties after their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 quarter-final ended 1-1 at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Centre Stadium on Sunday.

Japan will face Australia in the semi-finals with the win also confirming them a place in the FIFA U20 World Cup Chile 2025.

Homework pays off for Korea Republic’s Hong

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

Homework pays off for Korea Republic’s Hong

Shenzhen: Goalkeeper Hong Seong-min was the toast of the Korea Republic team after his heroics in the shootout saw the 12-time champions triumph over Uzbekistan to reach the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 on Sunday.

Having denied Uzbekistan skipper Muhammadali Urinboev from the penalty spot in the second minute, Hong then did the same in the shootout after the tie ended 3-3, stopping Ollabergan Karimov and Murodjon Komilov as Korea Republic emerged 3-1 winners after the tie ended 3-3.

QF: Hong stars as shootout win takes Korea Republic into semis

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

QF: Hong stars as shootout win takes Korea Republic into semis

Shenzhen: Korea Republic stayed on course for a record-extending 13th AFC U20 Asian Cup™ title after a 3-1 win on penalties against defending champions Uzbekistan after their China 2025 quarter-final tie ended 3-3 on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Hong Seong-min saved twice in the shootout as Korea Republic advanced, having led 3-1 before Uzbekistan forced an additional 30 minutes with two goals in the closing stages of regulation time. 

The victory set up a semi-final for Korea Republic against Saudi Arabia as well as clinched their FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 slot.

Soares: Luck on Saudi Arabia’s side

Sat, 22 Feb, 2025

Soares: Luck on Saudi Arabia’s side

Shenzhen: Head coach Marcos Soares was quick to admit that Saudi Arabia’s progress to the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 semi-finals was partly down to luck. 

Amar Al Yuhaybi scored against the run of play five minutes into second half stoppage time to send the three-time champions not only a step closer to a fourth title but also sealed their place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025.

Morgan applauds Australia’s grit

Sun, 23 Feb, 2025

Morgan applauds Australia’s grit

Shenzhen: Australia’s dramatic 3-2 victory against Iraq in their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025  quarter-final on Saturday was a testament of the Young Socceroos’ resilience and patience, said head coach Trevor Morgan.

The Australians dug deep despite Iraq twice taking the lead, with Alexander Badolato then netting the winner with a stunning shot from just outside the Iraqi penalty box.

#AFCU20 - Fans to the fore

Sat, 22 Feb, 2025

#AFCU20 - Fans to the fore

Shenzhen: Fans illuminated the group stage of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 across the four venues, adding to the excitement of the action on the pitch.

Passionate support from the stands fueled Asia's rising stars who showcased desire and determination, much to the delight of fans who travelled thousands of kilometres to watch them in action.

The-AFC.com highlights just some of the fans who have lit up China 2025 with their support.

#AFCU20 - Group Stage in Numbers

Fri, 21 Feb, 2025

#AFCU20 - Group Stage in Numbers

Shenzhen: After nine days of thrilling action and 75 goals scored, just eight teams remain in the battle for the coveted AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 title.

Join us at the-AFC.com as we dive into some of the standout stats from the group stage.

#ACLElite - League Stage in numbers

Sat, 22 Feb, 2025

#ACLElite - League Stage in numbers

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25 heads into the business end with the Round of 16 to be played in the first week of March.

As the remaining sides intensify their preparations for what will surely be exciting ties, the-AFC.com takes a look at the facts and figures from the thrilling League Stage.