Sato proud of Japan’s progress

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026

Sato proud of Japan’s progress

Jeddah:  Ryunosuke Sato has his eyes set on winning the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ to cap a campaign in which Japan have shown tremendous progress. 

The midfielder helped a much-changed Japan side battle to a 1-0 win over Korea Republic in the semi-finals on Tuesday with the performance giving Sato plenty of confidence ahead of Saturday’s final against China PR.

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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.

Peng Xiao: Confidence will drive China PR

Thu, 22 Jan, 2026

Peng Xiao: Confidence will drive China PR

Jeddah:  Peng Xiao believes confidence gained from China PR’s semi-final victory will fuel their preparations for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final against Japan on Saturday.

China PR produced a brilliant second half to defeat Vietnam 3-0 on Tuesday with Peng Xiao netting the opener with a splendid header.

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.

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.

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.