Q-final: Penalty shootout win takes Uzbekistan through

Sun, 12 Mar, 2023

Q-final: Penalty shootout win takes Uzbekistan through

Tashkent: Uzbekistan booked their place in the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 with a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Australia at Bunyodkor Stadium on Saturday with Ravshan Khaydarov’s side also securing a spot at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia later in the year.

Adrian Segicic’s penalty in the final round thumped back off the crossbar to leave Uzbekistan captain Umarali Rakhmonaliev to roll in the winning spot-kick for the home side after the game had ended in a 1-1 draw upon the completion of 120 minutes.

Gabriel Popovic had given the Australians the lead in the 76th minute before Zafarmurod Abdirakhmatov levelled three minutes later but with neither side able to score a second the game went to penalties, from where Uzbekistan advanced.

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Q-final: Jasim strikes late as Iraq edge IR Iran

Sat, 11 Mar, 2023

Q-final: Jasim strikes late as Iraq edge IR Iran

Tashkent: Iraq became the first team to book their place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 semi-finals with a late 1-0 victory against Islamic Republic of Iran at JAR Stadium on Saturday.

The Lions of Mesopotamia also secured the first of four tickets to the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia 2023, returning to the global event for the first time since 2013.

Preview - QF: Korea Republic v China PR

Sun, 12 Mar, 2023

Preview - QF: Korea Republic v China PR

Tashkent: Korea Republic head coach Kim Eun-jung is expecting a tense AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 quarter-final encounter with China PR when the two nations face off at JAR Stadium on Sunday with a coveted place at the FIFA U20 World Cup Finals on the line.

The winners will advance to the semi-finals and also claim one of four berths available at the Finals in Indonesia in May and June with the Koreans looking to secure a return to the tournament after finishing second in Poland when the competition was last played in 2019.

Preview - QF: Japan v Jordan

Sun, 12 Mar, 2023

Preview - QF: Japan v Jordan

Tashkent: Jordan head coach Islam Al Diabat believes the pressure will be on Japan when the two teams meet at Lokomotiv Stadium in the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 on Sunday.

Jordan advanced to the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group C with four points. A 2-0 win against Tajikistan laid the foundation for the qualification and the job was completed with a goalless draw against Oman on the final day, ensuring Al Diabat’s men pipped Tajikistan to second place on head-to-head record.

Fellow university alumnus Mitoma inspires Suwama, Abu Taha welcomes Kalbouneh boost

Sat, 11 Mar, 2023

Fellow university alumnus Mitoma inspires Suwama, Abu Taha welcomes Kalbouneh boost

Tashkent: Japan defender Kosei Suwama cited Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Kaoru Mitoma as an inspirational figure as he looks to help Japan reach the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 semi-finals when the Samurai Blue take on Jordan on Sunday.

Japan topped Group D with the full nine points to set-up a clash with Group C runners-up Jordan in the quarter-finals with the winners at Lokomotiv Stadium also getting a ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia 2023.

The Samurai Blue last won the AFC U20 Asian Cup back in 2016 when a team featuring the likes of Ritsu Doan and Takehiro Tomiyasu beat Saudi Arabia in the final on penalties, going on to reach the Round of 16 at the U20 World Cup the following year, but for Suwama, his inspiration this tournament comes from figures with a more similar background to himself.

Pressure-free China PR ready to shine, says Yang

Sat, 11 Mar, 2023

Pressure-free China PR ready to shine, says Yang

Tashkent: China PR defender Yang Minjie believes he and his teammates will go into their quarter-final clash with Korea Republic at the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 with the freedom to perform having already exceeded expectations by progressing beyond the group phase.

The Chinese are appearing in the knockout rounds for the first time since 2014 after a 1-1 draw with Krygyz Republic in their final Group D game took Antonio Puche’s side into the quarter-finals, and one step from a first FIFA U20 World Cup qualification since 2005.
 
But, even though there is a place at this year’s edition of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia on the line when the game kicks off at JAR Stadium on Sunday, Yang says there will be no pressure on the Chinese.

Group Stage in Numbers

Sat, 11 Mar, 2023

Group Stage in Numbers

Tashkent: The group stage of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 drew to a close on Thursday as the cast for the quarter-finals was confirmed. 

Ahead of the last-eight matches taking place on Saturday and Sunday, the-AFC.com highlights some of the stats and facts that stood out during the group stage. 

Vote for Your Best Goal of the Group Stage!

Fri, 10 Mar, 2023

Vote for Your Best Goal of the Group Stage!

Tashkent: Eight teams remain in the hunt for the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 title after the group stage came to a close on Thursday on the back of nine high-octane days of drama. 

A total of 55 goals rained in over the 24 matches in Tashkent and Fergana with a number of fantastic efforts catching the eye. The-AFC.com has picked eight of the best and asks you, the fans, to tell us which is your favourite by voting below.