Soares hails title-chasing Saudi Arabia’s grit

Thu, 27 Feb, 2025

Soares hails title-chasing Saudi Arabia’s grit

Shenzhen: Marcos Soares was a delighted head coach after his Saudi Arabia side battled hard to overcome Korea Republic in their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 semi-final on Wednesday. 

With only 37 percent ball possession and one shot on target throughout the 120 minutes of action, Soares needed his team to show a different side to their game in the penalty shootout and that they did, triumphing 3-2 to move within one match of lifting the title last won in 2018. 

Goalkeeper Hamed Yousef was Saudi Arabia’s hero, denying Kim Tae-won and Kim Gyeol in the shootout with Soares applauding the Al Ittihad player for his focus and determination. 

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_asian_cup.html/video/afcu20-|-semi-final-saudi-arabia-0-3-2-0-korea-republic

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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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

#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.