Kim strike steers Naegohyang to glory

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Kim strike steers Naegohyang to glory

Suwon: Naegohyang Women’s FC created history after defeating Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 to win the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/6™ title at Suwon Sports Complex on Saturday.

Kim Kyong Yong struck in the 44th minute as Ri Yu Il’s side - the first women’s club team from DPR Korea to compete at the continental level - booked their ticket to the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup 2027.

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Naegohyang’s Kim earns MVP accolade

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Naegohyang’s Kim earns MVP accolade

Suwon: Kim Kyong Yong was named the Most Valuable Player of the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ after helping Naegohyang Women’s FC lift the coveted title on Saturday.

The forward scored the only goal that saw the DPR Korea side defeat Japan's Tokyo Verdy Beleza 1-0 in the final to succeed China PR’s Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC as the champions of Asia.

Melbourne’s McNamara takes Top Goalscorer crown

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Melbourne’s McNamara takes Top Goalscorer crown

Suwon: Holly McNamara’s four goals saw the Melbourne City FC stalwart take the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ Top Goalscorer award on Saturday.

McNamara’s adventure may have ended at the semi-final stage but her performances in the previous rounds were enough to win her the accolade.

Talented Kitahara vows to get even better

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Talented Kitahara vows to get even better

Jeddah: Midfielder Maki Kitahara reflected with a mixture of pride and self-criticism after helping Japan clinch the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ title with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over China PR on Friday.

Kitahara, who finished the tournament with Most Valuable Player and Top Goalscorer awards, played a decisive role in the final by scoring Japan’s third goal in a dominant first-half display that ultimately proved enough despite a nervy finish.

Japan’s Ono eyes improvements after dramatic title win

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Japan’s Ono eyes improvements after dramatic title win

Jeddah: Japan head coach Shingi Ono admitted there is still significant room for improvement despite his side edging China PR 3-2 in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026™ final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends on Friday.

Japan looked in complete control after racing to a three-goal lead in the first half, but were forced to endure a nervy finish as China PR produced a spirited second-half response to set up a tense closing stage.

Despite the pressure, Japan held firm to secure the title, with Ono reflecting on both the positives of victory and the lessons learned.

Ukishima proud of China PR despite heartbreak

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Ukishima proud of China PR despite heartbreak

Jeddah: China PR head coach Bin Ukishima had nothing but praise for his charges despite their 3-2 defeat to Japan in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026™ final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends on Friday.

The two-time champions were left chasing the game after conceding three first-half goals, with Japan taking control through a dominant opening period. 

However, China PR responded with determination after the restart, striking twice to ignite hopes of a remarkable comeback, only to fall short at the very end.