Preview - SF: Saudi Arabia v Korea Republic

Wed, 26 Feb, 2025

Preview - SF: Saudi Arabia v Korea Republic

Shenzhen: Saudi Arabia are hoping to overcome key absences when they face Korea Republic in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 semi-finals on Wednesday.

Saud Harun and Ali Barnawi are suspended with head coach Marcos Soares looking to his squad to compensate for their absences in defence as he targets to give Korea Republic a big challenge for a place in Saturday’s final.

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Preview - SF: Australia v Japan

Wed, 26 Feb, 2025

Preview - SF: Australia v Japan

Shenzhen: Australia are brimming with confidence ahead of their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 semi-final against Japan at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Wednesday.

The Young Socceroos have been riding on a wave of momentum, advancing to the last four stage with a perfect record and seeking to reach the final for the first time since 2010.

Trevor Morgan’s charges, buoyed by their thrilling 3-2 victory over Iraq in the quarter-finals, are looking to maintain their unbeaten run as they seek to win their maiden title.

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. 

#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.

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.