Group B: Tajikistan 2-2 IR Iran; Afghanistan 0-0 India

Fri, 05 Sep, 2025

Group B: Tajikistan 2-2 IR Iran; Afghanistan 0-0 India

Hisor: Islamic Republic of Iran finished top of Group B after being held to a 2-2 draw by Tajikistan, to book their place in the final of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 on Thursday.

Iran advanced with seven points, three ahead of India, whose 0-0 stalemate against Afghanistan means they will face either Oman or Uzbekistan in the third-place playoff.

UAE remain grounded after Guam win

Thu, 04 Sep, 2025

UAE remain grounded after Guam win

Abu Dhabi: Captain Eisa Khalfan praised the United Arab Emirates’ for their collective effort in their 13-0 AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers Group I victory against Guam on Wednesday.

The UAE were in rampant form against 10-man Guam, with Mayed Alkas netting a hat-trick and the Emiratis will aim to maintain their form when they face Hong Kong, China on Saturday.

Bahri pleased with Syria’s persistence

Thu, 04 Sep, 2025

Bahri pleased with Syria’s persistence

Dushanbe: Head coach Maher Bahri acknowledged that Syria’s AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers Group K tie against the Philippines was tougher than expected following their hard-earned 2-1 win on Wednesday.

The win set Syria up nicely for their match against India on Saturday, with the Philippines facing Tajikistan.

Khaydarov demands more from Uzbekistan after opening victory

Thu, 04 Sep, 2025

Khaydarov demands more from Uzbekistan after opening victory

Bishkek: Ravshan Khaydarov had mixed emotions despite former champions Uzbekistan getting their AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers Group E campaign off to a great start on Wednesday.

The Central Asian side defeated Sri Lanka 4-0 but head coach Khaydarov - while praising his charges for displaying good control in the match - felt they were wasteful with the chances created.

Thawatchai: Early goal paved the way for Thailand

Thu, 04 Sep, 2025

Thawatchai: Early goal paved the way for Thailand

Pathum Thani: Head coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul was pleased with how Thailand started their AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers campaign as the Southeast Asian side eye a sixth successive Finals appearance.

Thailand made light work of Mongolia with a 6-0 win in their Group F tie on Wednesday as Thawatchai witnessed good attacking displays..

Qualifiers - Matchday One: Results & Reports

Thu, 04 Sep, 2025

Qualifiers - Matchday One: Results & Reports

Kuala Lumpur: Matchday One of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers delivered thrills and spills with big wins, tight affairs and spectacular goals.

The 44 teams - divided into 11 groups - are vying for 15 tickets to the Finals and will resume their campaigns on Saturday.

Stay updated on all the action with the-AFC.com.