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.

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Group B: Japan 4-1 UAE

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Group B: Japan 4-1 UAE

Taif: Defending champions Japan opened their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia campaign with an impressive 4-1 win over United Arab Emirates in Group B action at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium on Friday.

Victory for Japan against Vietnam - who drew 1-1 with Australia in the earlier match - on Monday will almost surely guarantee them a quarter-final berth and a spot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, while UAE need a result against Australia.

Group B: Australia 1-1 Vietnam

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Group B: Australia 1-1 Vietnam

Taif: Vietnam fought back to hold Australia 1-1 in their opening AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group B match on Friday.

Quinn Macnicol opened the scoring for Australia late in the first half but Vietnam bounced back in the second half with Hoang Trong Duy Khang’s strike ensuring a share of the spoils.

Group C: Korea Republic 0-1 Indonesia

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Group C: Korea Republic 0-1 Indonesia

Jeddah: Evandra Florasta’s strike from his spot-kick rebound two minutes into time added on gave Indonesia a 1-0 victory over the more dominant Korea Republic in their opening AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group C match on Friday.

Indonesia will aim for another three points against Yemen on Monday while Korea Republic will have to defeat Afghanistan to revive their hopes, with the top two teams from the group to qualify for the quarter-finals and FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025. 

Group C: Yemen 2-0 Afghanistan

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Group C: Yemen 2-0 Afghanistan

Jeddah:  Yemen eased to a 2-0 win over Afghanistan in their opening AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group C match on Friday.

First half strikes from Mohammed Al Raawi and Mohammed Al Garash ensured the West Asian side took the three points and they will look to ride on their momentum when they face Indonesia - who defeated Korea Republic 1-0 in the earlier match - on Monday.

Preview - Group D: IR Iran v DPR Korea

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group D: IR Iran v DPR Korea

Jeddah: Islamic Republic of Iran head coach Abbas Chamanian will put his side’s knowledge of DPR Korea to their advantage when they meet in their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group D opener on Saturday.

To start their campaign off on the right foot, the 2008 champions will also bank on their extensive preparations. 

Preview - Group D: Tajikistan v Oman

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group D: Tajikistan v Oman

Jeddah: Oman head coach Anwar Al Habsi believes their opening AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group D match against Tajikistan on Saturday will be a test of his side’s mettle against one of Asia’s best teams.

The two-time champions, who made the Finals as one of five best runners-up, are returning for the first time since 2018. It’s also been 25 years since their last title.

Matari pleased with role in Saudi Arabia's winning start

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

Matari pleased with role in Saudi Arabia's winning start

Taif: Abdulhari Matari was delighted to have played his part as Saudi Arabia kicked off their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 campaign with a 2-1 win against China PR on Thursday.

Matari opened the scoring in the 11th minute with Osama Al Daghmah doubling their lead in first half added time, with China PR scoring a late consolation through Wei Xiangxin.

Potent Uzbekistan boost Sodikov's confidence

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

Potent Uzbekistan boost Sodikov's confidence

Taif: Midfielder Sayfiddin Sodikov believes Uzbekistan's attacking prowess can take them to the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 title.

Sodikov proved a key mastermind, providing assists for Sadriddin Khasanov and Nurbek Sarsenbaev in the opening 13 minutes as Uzbekistan defeated Thailand 4-1 to go top of Group A on Thursday.

Baker vows to defend Indonesia with all his heart

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

Baker vows to defend Indonesia with all his heart

Jeddah: Indonesia’s Mathew Baker’s more memorable moments of his playing career took place at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Qualifiers, where he scored his first international goal and when his team played Australia.

The defender was overjoyed when his eighth-minute strike against Kuwait won his side their opening match, but there was a different emotion in play during their final tie against Australia.

Ahmadi determined to power Afghanistan to glory

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

Ahmadi determined to power Afghanistan to glory

Jeddah: Afghanistan midfielder Arash Ahmadi has come a long way from playing on dirt pitches.

The 17-year-old is today his team’s leading light at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 after playing a starring role in the Qualifiers where he found the back of the net five times in four matches to help Afghanistan finish unbeaten in their group unbeaten.