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.

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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.

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.

QF: Australia fight back to advance at Iraq’s expense

Sun, 23 Feb, 2025

QF: Australia fight back to advance at Iraq’s expense

Shenzhen: Australia came from behind twice to defeat Iraq 3-2 in their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 quarter-final at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Saturday.

Australia will face either Japan or Islamic Republic of Iran in the semi-finals with the win also sealing their spot at the FIFA U20 World Cup Chile 2025, having last appeared at the global stage in 2013.

QF: Saudi Arabia’s Yuhaybi breaks China PR hearts

Sun, 23 Feb, 2025

QF: Saudi Arabia’s Yuhaybi breaks China PR hearts

Shenzhen:  Amar Al Yuhaybi struck deep into time added on as Saudi Arabia defeated China PR 1-0 in their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 quarter-final at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Centre Stadium on Saturday.

Saudi Arabia, who are now on their way to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, will play either 12-time winners Korea Republic or defending champions Uzbekistan in the China 2025 semi-finals on Wednesday.

China PR, meanwhile, were left to rue numerous missed opportunities - including a penalty - as they exited the competition.

#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.

#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.