Preview - Group D: Australia v Thailand

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group D: Australia v Thailand

Riyadh: Tony Vidmar has challenged his Australia side to live up to their billing when they take on Thailand in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D opener on Thursday.

Despite a short period for preparation, the tactician is optimistic that Australia can make a winning start in the competition against Thailand who he acknowledged would be tough opponents.

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Preview - Group D: Iraq v China PR

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group D: Iraq v China PR

Riyadh: Iraq head coach Emad Mohammed believes his team will be among the contenders at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ despite facing pre-tournament difficulties.

The 2013 champions, who take on China PR in their Group D opener on Thursday, arrived late for the showpiece due to the club commitments of their players.

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.

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.

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.

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.