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.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u17_asian_cup.html/video/afcu17-|-group-a-uzbekistan-4–1-thailand

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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.

Group A: Uzbekistan 4-1 Thailand

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

Group A: Uzbekistan 4-1 Thailand

Taif: Uzbekistan kicked off their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia campaign with an emphatic 4-1 win against Thailand in their Group A clash at the Okaz Stadium on Thursday.

With the top two sides from the group earning automatic qualification to the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025, Uzbekistan will focus on beating China PR on Matchday Two, while Thailand will aim to keep their hopes alive by defeating Saudi Arabia.

Group A: Saudi Arabia 2-1 China PR

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

Group A: Saudi Arabia 2-1 China PR

Taif: Saudi Arabia were at their clinical best as they secured a 2-1 win against China PR in their opening AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group A tie on Thursday.

Mario da Silva’s side now join Uzbekistan - who defeated Thailand 4-1 in the earlier match - on three points and they will look to continue their momentum against Thailand on Sunday with China PR to face Uzbekistan.

The top two sides from the group will qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.

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.

UAE always first for Adel

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

UAE always first for Adel

Taif: Mayed Adel has always prided himself as being trigger-happy at the sight of goal.

This attitude will see him as the key frontman for the United Arab Emirates at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia.

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.

Preview – Group B: Japan v United Arab Emirates

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Preview – Group B: Japan v United Arab Emirates

Taif: Japan will aim to kick off their title defence with victory against United Arab Emirates when the sides meet in Group B of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium on Friday.

Japan are the most successful team in the history of the competition with four triumphs (1994, 2006, 2018, 2023), and are the only team to have won consecutive titles.

Preview - Group B: Australia v Vietnam

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group B: Australia v Vietnam

Taif: Australia will look to the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 for inspiration when they begin their AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Group B campaign against Vietnam on Friday.

Their senior compatriots lifted the trophy in Shenzhen just under two months ago and for head coach Brad Maloney, that will also be their motivation at Saudi Arabia 2025.

Preview - Group C: Yemen v Afghanistan

Sat, 05 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group C: Yemen v Afghanistan

Jeddah: Yemen and Afghanistan’s Group C clash in the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 on Friday will see both teams looking to go one better than their finishes in previous editions.

Yemen were runners-up in 2002 and quarter-finalists in 2023. The West Asians, who topped their qualifying group with seven points, are competing for the fourth consecutive time.

Preview - Group C: Korea Republic v Indonesia

Fri, 04 Apr, 2025

Preview - Group C: Korea Republic v Indonesia

Jeddah: Korea Republic and Indonesia will kick off Group C of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 on Friday, with the former looking to burnish their credentials and the latter aiming to claim their first title.

Korea Republic, champions in 1986 and 2002, finished runners-up to Japan at the AFC U17 Asian Cup Thailand 2023. The East Asians are making their 16th appearance after topping their qualifying group unbeaten.