Al Ghamdi thrilled to have delivered for Saudi Arabia

Wed, 07 Jan, 2026

Al Ghamdi thrilled to have delivered for Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: Rakan Al Ghamdi is making a habit of stealing the limelight as the forward scripted another match-winning performance for Saudi Arabia against Kyrgyz Republic in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group A tie on Tuesday.

The forward delivered another clutch moment, coming to Saudi Arabia’s rescue with a scintillating strike in the 88th minute to seal the win at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.

Tournament newcomers Kyrgyz Republic frustrated Saudi Arabia throughout the match with keeper Kurmanbek Nurlanbekov in scintillating form, with a superb save to deny Musab Al Juwayr from the penalty spot in the 77th minute among his many contributions.

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Di Biagio proud of Saudi Arabia’s determination

Wed, 07 Jan, 2026

Di Biagio proud of Saudi Arabia’s determination

Jeddah: Head coach Luigi Di Biagio hailed Saudi Arabia's resilience after the hosts secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over debutants Kyrgyz Republic in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group A opener on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia suffered an early blow, losing captain Abdullah Radif to injury and left it late to secure the three points against 10-man Kyrgyz Republic.

Hieu Minh urges Vietnam to remain focused

Wed, 07 Jan, 2026

Hieu Minh urges Vietnam to remain focused

Jeddah: Nguyen Hieu Minh has urged his teammates to remain focused following the exhilarating victory over Jordan in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group A tie on Tuesday.

Hieu Minh produced a player-of-the-match performance, scoring the second goal as the Southeast Asian side got their campaign off to a roaring start which they hope will lead to them bettering their 2018 compatriots who emerged runners-up.

The 1.84m tall centre-back was a towering presence as Vietnam shut out a Jordan side who scored 19 goals in the Qualifiers.

Vietnam’s Kim pleased with opening salvo; Jordan’s Nahji disappointed

Wed, 07 Jan, 2026

Vietnam’s Kim pleased with opening salvo; Jordan’s Nahji disappointed

Jeddah: Kim Sang-sik showered praise on his Vietnam players after they produced a professional display to pick up maximum points against Jordan in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group A opener on Tuesday.

The Korea Republic tactician was left purring as goals from Nguyen Dinh Bac and Nguyen Hieu Minh saw his side overcome not only their opponents but also the conditions in the mid-day tie at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium.

Group A: Saudi Arabia 1-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Wed, 07 Jan, 2026

Group A: Saudi Arabia 1-0 Kyrgyz Republic

Jeddah: Rakan Al Ghamdi struck late as Saudi Arabia edged a plucky Kyrgyz Republic 1-0 in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group A opener on Tuesday.

Debutants Kyrgyz Republic, reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute, looked on course for a point after goalkeeper Kurmanbek Nurlanbekov had saved Musab Al Juwayr’s penalty but Al Nassr Club’s Al Ghamdi struck in the 88th minute as 2022 champions Saudi Arabia got off to a winning start. 

Group A: Vietnam 2-0 Jordan

Wed, 07 Jan, 2026

Group A: Vietnam 2-0 Jordan

Jeddah:  First half goals steered Vietnam to a winning start in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ with a 2-0 defeat of Jordan on Tuesday.

Kim Sang-sik’s side optimised their set-pieces to great effect to put themselves in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals from Group A, with debutants Kyrgyz Republic their next opponents on Friday with Jordan facing Saudi Arabia.