Vote for your #AFCU23 NEOM Future Star of the Tournament

Mon, 06 May, 2024

Vote for your #AFCU23 NEOM Future Star of the Tournament

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ bore witness to a showcase of the continent's finest young talents, as they captivated the continent with their skill and tenacity in the battle for the title and places in the Paris Olympics 2024. 

After Japan’s win over Uzbekistan in the final, the-AFC.com now looks back on the competition and asks you, the fans, to determine the standout NEOM Future Star of the Tournament. 
 
We’ve selected six nominees who delivered eye-catching performances throughout the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024, so review the list and don’t forget to vote for your favourite NEOM Future Star at the bottom of the article. 

Neom future stars u23 2024

#AFCU23 - Facts & Figures

Sun, 05 May, 2024

#AFCU23 - Facts & Figures

Doha: The curtains came down on the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ with Japan edging Uzbekistan for the title in a closely contested final on Friday.

It was a fitting finale to a tournament that saw thrills and spills in equal measure so join the-AFC.com as we take a look at some key takeaways from the tournament.

Kokubo just one of Japan's heroes, says Oiwa

Sat, 04 May, 2024

Kokubo just one of Japan's heroes, says Oiwa

Doha: Go Oiwa said he had faith Leo Kokubo would save Umarali Rakhmonaliev’s injury time penalty before the Japan goalkeeper made the vital intervention that ensured his team reclaimed the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ title with a 1-0 victory over Uzbekistan in the Doha 2024 final on Friday.

Kokubo threw himself to his right to keep out Rakhmonaliev’s strike after Hiroki Sekine had been judged to have handled the ball in the penalty area deep into added time with the Japanese leading through Fuki Yamada’s fine finish.

Kapadze vows Uzbekistan will bounce back

Sat, 04 May, 2024

Kapadze vows Uzbekistan will bounce back

Doha: Despite creating more chances and seeing more of the ball, Uzbekistan suffered heartbreak on Friday in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ final as they went down 1-0 to a clinical Japan side.

Fuki Yamada’s sole goal in the first minute of added time, coupled with a Umarali Rakhmonaliev’s missed penalty, ended the 2018 winners’ hopes of adding a second title, which were high given their perfect record of five wins from five games in the tournament without conceding a single goal heading into this match. 
 
It was also a second loss in as many finals for Timur Kapadze, who was also at the helm when they lost to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 edition, and the 42-year-old head coach admitted that the failure hurt.

Vietnam appoint Kim Sang-sik as men’s head coach

Sun, 05 May, 2024

Vietnam appoint Kim Sang-sik as men’s head coach

Hanoi: The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has appointed Kim Sang-sik as men’s national team and Under-23 head coach for a two-year period starting May 2024.

The 47-year-old Korean replaces Philippe Troussier, who left by mutual consent following a disappointing run of results culminating in a 3-0 loss to Indonesia in the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™.

Preview - Group A: Indonesia v Philippines

Mon, 06 May, 2024

Preview - Group A: Indonesia v Philippines

Bali: Indonesia and Philippines will both be starting from a position of confidence when they square off in their opening AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 Group A tie on Monday.

Indonesia last competed in the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship 19 years ago and the hosts are raring to go as head coach Mochizuki Satoru intends to start strong ahead of tougher challenges in the shape of Korea Republic and DPR Korea.

Preview - Group A: DPR Korea v Korea Republic

Mon, 06 May, 2024

Preview - Group A: DPR Korea v Korea Republic

Bali: Head coach Kim Eun-Jung has warned his Korea Republic side to be on their toes ahead of their AFC Women’s U17 Asian Cup Indonesia™ 2024 Group A opener against DPR Korea on Monday.

The tie at the Bali United Training Center is set to be a thriller with Korea Republic, the 2009 AFC U-16 Women’s Championship winners, playing DPR Korea side seeking a fourth title.