Europe Wrap: Mitoma hitting the heights; Hubner’s day to remember

Mon, 12 Jan, 2026

Europe Wrap: Mitoma hitting the heights; Hubner’s day to remember

Kuala Lumpur: Kaoru Mitoma scored for the first time since returning from injury as Brighton held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw in the English Premier League.

Indonesia international Justin Hubner scored his first goal in professional football and his first Eredivise goal for Fortuna Sittard, ensuring the 22-year-old won’t forget January 11, 2026 in a hurry.

Other Asian stars added to their goal and assist tally across major European leagues, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.

Resolute Vietnam make Kim proud

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Resolute Vietnam make Kim proud

Jeddah: Kim Sang-sik felt immense pride after Vietnam battled to a 1-0 win against Saudi Arabia to top Group A and advance to the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Monday.

Unlike the matches against Jordan and Kyrgyz Republic where Vietnam produced exciting attacking displays, it was more of a backs-to-the-wall kind of performance against Saudi Arabia with Kim not surprised with how the match turned out.

Najhi: Jordan’s focus got the job done

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Najhi: Jordan’s focus got the job done

Jeddah: Jordan head coach Omar Najhi hailed his players’ laser sharp focus after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kyrgyz Republic secured their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Monday.

Ali Azaizeh’s first-half header proved decisive as Jordan finished the group stage on six points, booking a last-eight meeting with defending champions Japan. 

Puche applauds China PR’s ‘historic’ win

Mon, 12 Jan, 2026

Puche applauds China PR’s ‘historic’ win

Riyadh: China PR head coach Antonio Puche did not try to hide his elation following his side’s 1-0 win against Australia in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D clash on Sunday.

The East Asian side, who played out a goalless opening draw with Iraq, rekindled their hopes of a quarter-final slot with a 43rd-minute strike by defender Peng Xiao, which came against the run of play.

Mohammed proud of young Iraq side; Thawatchai happy with Thailand’s spirit

Mon, 12 Jan, 2026

Mohammed proud of young Iraq side; Thawatchai happy with Thailand’s spirit

Riyadh: Iraq head coach Emad Mohammed was proud of his young team for putting in maximum effort in the 1-1 stalemate with Thailand in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D match on Sunday.

The result left Group D wide open, with Iraq on two points - two behind China PR and one adrift of Australia. Thailand are a point behind Iraq, with Matchday Three to decide the teams advancing to the knockout round.

Preview - Group B: UAE v Syria

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group B: UAE v Syria

Jeddah: United Arab Emirates and Syria know what is at stake when they face off in their final AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group B tie on Tuesday.

Both teams are on three points and will square off at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium looking to accompany Japan - who are confirmed Group B winners - to the quarter-finals.