Poor finishing cost us, says Korea Republic’s Lee

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026

Poor finishing cost us, says Korea Republic’s Lee

Jeddah: Head coach Lee Min-sung admitted poor finishing was the reason why his Korea Republic side fell to Japan in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

A subpar first half saw Korea Republic trailing at the break to Kaito Koizumi’s 36th minute strike and while Lee was able to get a reaction from his players in the second half, a combination of woeful finishing and inspired goalkeeping from Rui Araki meant their title hopes were ended.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-semi-finals-japan-1-0-korea-republic

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Oiwa lauds Japan for passing stiff test with flying colours

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026

Oiwa lauds Japan for passing stiff test with flying colours

Jeddah: Go Oiwa was unreserved in his praise after Japan edged Korea Republic 1-0 in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

The win took Oiwa’s side within one match of defending their title and the tactician was pleased that his players had passed a stiff test with top marks.

S-final: Koizumi strike helps Japan edge Korea Republic

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026

S-final: Koizumi strike helps Japan edge Korea Republic

Jeddah: Japan defeated a resurgent Korea Republic 1-0 to advance to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final on Tuesday.

Kaito Koizumi’s first half goal proved decisive with Japan moving within a match of not only lifting the trophy for a record-extending third time but also to become the first team to emerge champions in consecutive editions, with China PR their opponents in the final on Saturday.

Puche credits hard work for China PR’s super show

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026

Puche credits hard work for China PR’s super show

Jeddah: Head coach Antonio Puche did not hide his satisfaction after masterminding China PR’s 3-0 win against Vietnam in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

The Spaniard attributed the triumph - which sealed China PR a place in the final after having never advanced past the group stage in their previous five participations - to meticulous preparation and tireless effort.

Kim: Hieu Minh injury reason for Vietnam’s defeat

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026

Kim: Hieu Minh injury reason for Vietnam’s defeat

Jeddah:  Head coach Kim Sang-sik knew exactly why Vietnam went down 3-0 to China PR in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday - the forced substitution of Nguyen Hieu Minh.

The defender had to be replaced in the 33rd minute due to injury and Kim admitted his side could not cope defensively after that. 

S-final: China PR power past Vietnam

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026

S-final: China PR power past Vietnam

Jeddah: China PR went into overdrive in the second half to beat Vietnam 3-0 and book their place in the final of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Tuesday.

It was a well deserved victory as China PR dominated the semi-final, with strikes from Peng Xiao, Xiang Yuwang and Wang Yudong taking them into the final for the first time.