Ono hails Japan’s courage; Chigodaev rues late heartbreak for Uzbekistan

Wed, 20 May, 2026

Ono hails Japan’s courage; Chigodaev rues late heartbreak for Uzbekistan

Jeddah: Japan head coach Shingi Ono praised his players’ mentality and courage after they fought back to defeat defending champions Uzbekistan 3-2 on penalties in a pulsating AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

Japan looked set for elimination after trailing for much of the contest before Chimezie Kai Ezemuokwe’s stoppage-time equaliser forced the tie to penalties, where goalkeeper Kosei Oshita emerged as the hero by saving two spot-kicks.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u17_asian_cup.html/video/u17ac-semi-final-japan-1-1-3-2-pso-uzbekistan

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Fearless Motosuna leads Japan from the front

Wed, 20 May, 2026

Fearless Motosuna leads Japan from the front

Jeddah: When Anthony Motosuna walks onto the pitch, he commands respect and admiration as Japan’s captain at the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

On Tuesday, the 192cm-tall defender delivered one of his most important performances in Jeddah – guiding his side to the final as they moved within one match of erasing the memory of quarter-final heartbreak in 2025.

Against a dominant Uzbekistan side, the four-time champions were seconds away from being shown the exit before Motosuna laid the ball perfectly for Chimezie Ezemuokwe to net the equaliser and force the semi-final to a penalty shoot-out, with Japan triumphing 3-2.

Shuai wants to go all the way with China PR

Wed, 20 May, 2026

Shuai wants to go all the way with China PR

Jeddah: Shuai Weihao delivered when it mattered most as the forward inspired China PR to a 2-0 win over Australia in their AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

With the contest deadlocked at the break, China PR needed a spark and Shuai provided exactly that, bursting through the middle after receiving Zhou Yunuo’s pass before calmly slotting home to put his side ahead.

China PR’s focus pleases Ukishima; Australia’s Veart seeks improvements

Wed, 20 May, 2026

China PR’s focus pleases Ukishima; Australia’s Veart seeks improvements

Jeddah: China PR head coach Bin Ukishima praised his side’s collective performance after their 2-0 victory against Australia in the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-finals on Tuesday.

The Japanese tactician highlighted the team’s focus, particularly in a demanding first half, before they seized control of the match after the break.

#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

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.