Ashuralizoda’s confidence gives Tajikistan winning start

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025

Ashuralizoda’s confidence gives Tajikistan winning start

Jeddah: Tajikistan’s Nazrullo Ashuralizoda didn't expect to score the match-winner against Oman in their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 clash on Saturday but knew he could do so if the opportunity presented itself.

The 17-year-old’s strike in the 49th minute earned the 2018 runners-up a 2-1 victory over Oman in their first Group D match and put them on the top of the leaderboard after Islamic Republic of Iran and DPR Korea played to a 1-1 draw.

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Chamanian wants more from IR Iran

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025

Chamanian wants more from IR Iran

Jeddah: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Abbas Chamanian came away satisfied with his team’s performance against DPR Korea at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 on Saturday but expects his players to improve in their remaining Group D matches. 

The 2008 champions fought back from going behind early to force a 1-1 draw, courtesy of Mehdi Sahneh's strike midway through the first half. 

The result leaves both teams desperately needing to win their second match to make the knockout stage and qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, with Tajikistan leading the standings after their 2-1 victory against Oman.

Kanda focused on powering Japan to hat-trick

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Kanda focused on powering Japan to hat-trick

Taif: Taito Kanda is determined Japan will not relinquish their hold on the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ trophy as he targets the Saudi Arabia 2025 accolade  to add to their 2023 and 2018 triumphs.

The Omiya Ardija player is absolute in his resolve on what his team needs to achieve in this tournament and anything else would be considered a disappointment as he looks to play his part after missing out on Japan’s qualifying campaign. 

Group D: IR Iran 1-1 DPR Korea

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025

Group D: IR Iran 1-1 DPR Korea

Jeddah: Islamic Republic of Iran and DPR Korea battled to a 1-1 stalemate in their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group D match on Saturday.

The result left both sides two points adrift of Tajikistan - who beat Oman 2-1 earlier in the day - with Iran to face Oman next while DPR Korea will play Tajikistan, with both matches to take place on Tuesday.

Group D: Tajikistan 2-1 Oman

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025

Group D: Tajikistan 2-1 Oman

Jeddah: Tajikistan overcame Oman 2-1 in their engrossing AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group D opener at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Saturday.

A win for Tajikistan against DPR Korea on Tuesday will see them within striking distance of a quarter-final spot while Oman will have to claim their first three points when they face the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

Preview - Group A: Thailand v Saudi Arabia

Mon, 07 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group A: Thailand v Saudi Arabia

Taif: Saudi Arabia will take nothing for granted when they meet Thailand in the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 on Sunday.

Head coach Mario da Silva is adamant that nothing is decided yet in Group A despite their 2-1 win against China PR on Thursday, with the Brazilian tactician conscious of the unpredictability of youth football.

Preview - Group A: China PR v Uzbekistan

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group A: China PR v Uzbekistan

Taif: Uzbekistan head coach Islombek Ismoilov has promised a much better performance in their second AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Group A match against China PR at the Okaz Stadium on Sunday.

Uzbekistan currently top the group after running out comfortable 4-1 winners against Thailand on Thursday, but only found their cutting edge after the Southeast Asian side were reduced to 10 men in the second half.

Japan’s Yoshida hungry for more after brace against UAE

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Japan’s Yoshida hungry for more after brace against UAE

Taif: Japanese forward Minato Yoshida is hungry for more goals after netting a brace in the 4-1 victory over United Arab Emirates in their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group B opener on Friday.

No 10 Yoshida was easily one of the standouts as Japan kicked off their title defence in style at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium.

Teamwork secured victory, says Yemen’s Al Garash

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Teamwork secured victory, says Yemen’s Al Garash

Jeddah: Mohammed Al Garash admits he’s not at his peak for Yemen, but says it’s more important that they win as a team at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025.

The 16-year-old defender scored Yemen's second from the penalty spot to ease 2-0 past Afghanistan on Friday as the West Asian side ended the day top of Group C. 

Indonesia's Florasta savours Korea Republic win

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Indonesia's Florasta savours Korea Republic win

Jeddah: Indonesia Evandra Florasta was over the moon about hitting the winning goal in their 1-0 triumph over Korea Republic at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 on Friday.

Indonesia were outplayed by the East Asians in their Group C opener but secured victory two minutes into time added on when the 16-year-old midfielder slammed home the rebound from his saved spot-kick. 

Australia’s Macnicol frustrated by draw; Roland proud of Vietnam’s fight back

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Australia’s Macnicol frustrated by draw; Roland proud of Vietnam’s fight back

Taif: Quinn Macnicol had mixed feelings after Australia were held 1-1 by Vietnam in their opening AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group B tie on Friday.

Macnicol struck the opener four minutes before the break but Australia were not able to hold the advantage with the captain rueing several missed chances, including his spot-kick, at Okaz Stadium.

Asia's finest set for exciting challenge

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025

Asia's finest set for exciting challenge

Kuala Lumpur: Islamic Republic of Iran will kick off their bid for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025 title against Mauritania.

Oman's campaign begins against Italy while Japan will feature in the opening match of the tournament when they face Guatemala.

#ACLTwo - Know your Semi-finalists: Lion City Sailors (SGP)

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025

#ACLTwo - Know your Semi-finalists: Lion City Sailors (SGP)

Kuala Lumpur: Lion City Sailors FC will attempt to create history when they face Sydney FC in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25.

No Singapore side has lifted an Asian club title and with glory just three matches away, the Sailors will be determined to not slip up.

#ACLTwo - Know your Semi-finalists: Sharjah FC (UAE)

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025

#ACLTwo - Know your Semi-finalists: Sharjah FC (UAE)

Kuala Lumpur: Sharjah FC will be on a mission to lift their first ever Asian trophy when they take on Al Taawoun FC in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25.

One of the United Arab Emirates' most successful clubs, Sharjah are regular continental stage qualifiers but have never progressed beyond the quarter-final stage of the AFC Champions League™.

#ACLTwo - Know your Semi-finalists: Al Taawoun FC (KSA)

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

#ACLTwo - Know your Semi-finalists: Al Taawoun FC (KSA)

Kuala Lumpur: Al Taawoun FC will be seeking a first ever continental title when they continue their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 journey with a semi-final meeting with Sharjah FC.

The Buraidah-based side have never won the Saudi Pro League title and having come so close to tasting continental glory, Al Taawoun can be expected to be fired up for their showdown with Sharjah, with the first leg to be played on Tuesday.