Matchwinner Aliev hails Uzbekistan’s team spirit

Mon, 07 Apr, 2025

Matchwinner Aliev hails Uzbekistan’s team spirit

Taif: Matchwinner Asilbek Aliev paid homage to his Uzbekistan teammates after the forward headed in a late goal against China PR to send his country to the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 quarter-finals.

Aliev’s supersub moment in the 86th minute also booked the Central Asian side a ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, which resulted in the entire team running onto the pitch to celebrate at the final whistle.

The victory took Uzbekistan to maximum points with a showdown against Saudi Arabia to come on Wednesday to decide the Group A winners. 

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u17_asian_cup.html/video/afcu17-|-group-a-china-pr-1–2-uzbekistan

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www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3081464

Providing support comes naturally for Korea Republic’s Kim

Mon, 07 Apr, 2025

Providing support comes naturally for Korea Republic’s Kim

Jeddah: Korea Republic’s Kim Ji-sung has had a natural affinity for playing in midfield since he was young.

The now 17-year-old is raring to leave his mark at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 in the same manner as he did in the Qualifiers, where he nabbed a hat-trick in his side’s 13-0 win over Maldives and helped them top Group C unbeaten.

Group A: China PR 1-2 Uzbekistan

Mon, 07 Apr, 2025

Group A: China PR 1-2 Uzbekistan

Taif: Uzbekistan confirmed their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia quarter-final berth after a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over China PR in their Group A match at the Okaz Stadium in Taif on Sunday.

The result means Uzbekistan are assured of a top two finish irrespective of other results, which also confirms their ticket to the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025. 

Group A: Thailand 1-3 Saudi Arabia

Mon, 07 Apr, 2025

Group A: Thailand 1-3 Saudi Arabia

Taif: Saudi Arabia came from behind to defeat Thailand 3-1 to confirm their spot in the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 quarter-finals on Sunday. 

The win meant Saudi Arabia met their first target of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, joining Uzbekistan in qualifying for the global showpiece with the two sides to square off on Wednesday to decide the Group A winners.  

Preview - Group B: UAE v Australia

Tue, 08 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group B: UAE v Australia

Taif: United Arab Emirates head coach Majed Salem wants his side to avoid mistakes when they take on Australia in their second AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group B clash at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium on Monday.

UAE lost 4-1 to defending champions Japan on Friday in a performance where the players’ could not fully focus after they had to cope with the sudden passing of team doctor Dr. Abdullah Baroun the day before.

Preview - Group B: Vietnam v Japan

Mon, 07 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group B: Vietnam v Japan

Taif: Japan will go all out to maintain their control in Group B of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 when they face Vietnam on Monday.

The 4-1 victory for Nozomi Hiroyama’s side against United Arab Emirates on Friday saw them lead the group with maximum points, two ahead of Vietnam and Australia who drew 1-1 in the other game.

A win against Vietnam will guarantee Japan a top two finish in the group, securing their place in the quarter-finals as well as sealing a spot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.

Preview - Group C: Afghanistan v Korea Republic

Tue, 08 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group C: Afghanistan v Korea Republic

Jeddah: Korea Republic head coach Back Ki-tae is working hard to inspire his team ahead of their Group C match against Afghanistan on Monday at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025.

The East Asians fell to a solitary goal against Indonesia two minutes into time added on Friday despite outplaying their opponents in what was their 70th match in tournament history. 

Preview - Group C: Indonesia v Yemen

Mon, 07 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group C: Indonesia v Yemen

Jeddah: Indonesia and Yemen will clash in the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 on Monday looking to maintain their winning starts in Group C.

Indonesia pulled off a major upset over two-time champions Korea Republic on Friday, with Evandra Florasta securing a last minute rebound winner from his saved spot-kick. Yemen eased past Afghanistan 2-0.

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.

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.

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.