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. 

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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. 

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.

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.

Oman’s Al Rashdi following in father’s footsteps

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Oman’s Al Rashdi following in father’s footsteps

Jeddah: It is no surprise that Oman forward Al Walid Al Rashdi feels so at home on the pitch, given that he comes from a football-loving family.

The striker, who will lead Oman’s charge at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025, was introduced to the game by his father, who coincidentally played for Nizwa FC, the same Oman First Division League club Al Rashdi represents.