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. 

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_asian_cup.html/video/afcu20-spotlight-yuto-ozeki-jpn

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u17_asian_cup/video/afcu17_-_final_|_korea_republic_0_-_3_japan.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3072235

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3072237

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3072241

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3072243

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. 

#AFCU20 - S-finals: 5 things to look out for

Tue, 25 Feb, 2025

#AFCU20 - S-finals: 5 things to look out for

Shenzhen: The AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 has reached the penultimate stage with the semi-finals to be played on Wednesday.

As the four teams finalise their preparations for what promises to be two thrilling showdowns, the-AFC.com highlights five things to look out for.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Europe Wrap: Son steers Spurs, dazzling home debut for Dabbagh

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

Europe Wrap: Son steers Spurs, dazzling home debut for Dabbagh

Kuala Lumpur: Son Heung-min contributed two assists as Tottenham Hotspur cruised 4-1 past Ipswich Town in the English Premier League.

Palestine’s all-time leading scorer Oday Dabbagh stole the spotlight when he struck the only goal in his home debut for Aberdeen in their Scottish Premiership win over Kilmarnock.

There were also goals and assists galore for the Asian contingent as numerous household names featured for their respective sides across Europe the past week.

Follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to.

#ACLElite - Kooshki wins best goal of MD8 (West)

Fri, 28 Feb, 2025

#ACLElite - Kooshki wins best goal of MD8 (West)

Kuala Lumpur: Alireza Kooshki emerged the winner of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 West Zone's Matchday 8 best goals poll with 82 percent of the votes.

Kooshki's clinical finish off Ramin Rezaeian's through pass secured the Esteghlal FC player's spot in the semi-finals

Check out the results at the bottom and don't forget to cast your vote for the East Zone's best goal of Matchday 8 with polling to start on Saturday.