#AFCU17 - Japan win thrilling shootout to advance to final

Wed, 20 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Japan win thrilling shootout to advance to final

Jeddah: Goalkeeper Kosei Oshita starred as Japan edged defending champions Uzbekistan 3-2 on penalties in their AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

Japan had scored in the final seconds to force a 1-1 draw, with Oshita saving the first two Uzbekistan spot-kicks only for the Central Asian side to draw level at 2-2. 

With his side having missed their third and fourth attempts, captain Anthony Motosuna stepped up to convert the winner as Japan set up a final against either China PR or Australia on Friday. 

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https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u17_asian_cup.html/photo/s-final-japan-v-uzbekistan

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https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3174882

#AFCU17 - China PR power past Australia

Wed, 20 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - China PR power past Australia

Jeddah: China PR turned on the power in the second half to defeat Australia 2-0 in their AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends on Tuesday.

China PR, through to the final for the first time since 2004, will face Japan in the decider on Friday.

#U17WAC - In Numbers

Tue, 19 May, 2026

#U17WAC - In Numbers

Suzhou: The AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ came to a close in spectacular fashion on Sunday with DPR Korea retaining the trophy they won two years ago.

The 5-1 win against Japan cemented DPR Korea’s place as the best performing side in the history of the competition. As the tournament draws its curtain, the-AFC.com takes a look at the numbers that defined this latest edition

Preview - S-final: Naegohyang Women’s FC (PRK) v Suwon FC Women (KOR)

Wed, 20 May, 2026

Preview - S-final: Naegohyang Women’s FC (PRK) v Suwon FC Women (KOR)

Suwon: Park Kil-young is looking to maximise home ground advantage when Suwon FC Women meet Naegohyang Women’s FC in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ semi-finals on Wednesday.

The Suwon head coach is counting on a reinforced squad and match fitness - with the domestic WK League underway - to power them to victory on home soil.

Preview - S-final: Melbourne City FC (AUS) v Tokyo Verdy Beleza (JPN)

Wed, 20 May, 2026

Preview - S-final: Melbourne City FC (AUS) v Tokyo Verdy Beleza (JPN)

Suwon: Michael Matricciani and Naoki Kusunose are equally confident that a place in the final is theirs for the taking when Melbourne City FC square off against Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the AFC Women’s Champions League 2025/26™ semi-finals on Wednesday.

It’s a meeting between two head coaches with vast continental experience as Matricciani took Melbourne to the final last season while Kusunose had previously guided Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies to the AFC Women’s Club Championship 2023™ title.

Saudi Arabia stay top in latest AFC Men’s Club Competitions Ranking

Tue, 19 May, 2026

Saudi Arabia stay top in latest AFC Men’s Club Competitions Ranking

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed its latest AFC Men’s Club Competitions Ranking on Tuesday, following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Saudi Arabia continue to lead the way, with Japan and Korea Republic occupying second and third place respectively.