Shaikh Salman praises Australia on clinching maiden Continental crown

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Shaikh Salman praises Australia on clinching maiden Continental crown

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has congratulated Australia on securing their first-ever AFC U20 Asian Cup™ title after defeating three-time winners Saudi Arabia on penalties in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Final at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium in Shenzhen on Saturday.

With the final ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, goalkeeper Steven Hall was the star after saving Bassam Hazazi’s spot-kick as Australia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-4 on penalties.

Hall save secures Australia maiden title

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Hall save secures Australia maiden title

Shenzhen: Steven Hall was the star as Australia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-4 on penalties in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 final at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Saturday.

With the final ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, goalkeeper Hall saved Bassam Hazazi’s spot-kick   as Australia won their first title.

It was heartbreak for Saudi Arabia, who were seeking to emerge champions for a fourth time.  

Australia's Badolato named MVP

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025

Australia's Badolato named MVP

Shenzhen: Alex Badolato of Australia was named the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Most Valuable Player for his outstanding performances that helped Australia clinch the title on Saturday.

Badolato was instrumental throughout the campaign, which saw Australia lifting the title for the first time after defeating Saudi Arabia 5-4 in the final on penalties, following a 1-1 score after extra time on Saturday. 

Uzbekistan's Urinboev scoops Top Scorer Award

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025

Uzbekistan's Urinboev scoops Top Scorer Award

Shenzhen: Uzbekistan’s Mukhammadali Urinboev won the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Top Scorer Award on Saturday.

The forward edged out Korea Republic’s Kim Tae-won, who was also on four goals, by virtue of having played less minutes. Australian duo Luka Jovanovic and Musa Toure, and Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esmaeil Gholizadeh followed with three goals each. 

Saudi Arabia's Yousef takes Best Goalkeeper honour

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Saudi Arabia's Yousef takes Best Goalkeeper honour

Shenzhen: Saudi Arabia's Hamed Yousef was named the AFC Asian Cup™ China 2025 Best Goalkeeper after playing a pivotal role in his side reaching the final.

Although Saudi Arabia had to settle for the runners-up spot after falling to Australia in the final on Saturday, Yousef proved his pedigree with three clean sheets as he featured in all six matches.