Second half tinkering pays off for Saudi Arabia

Mon, 07 Apr, 2025

Second half tinkering pays off for Saudi Arabia

Taif: Abdulrahman Sufyani attributed a change in tactics for Saudi Arabia's 3-1 win against Thailand in Group A of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 on Sunday.

Tied at 1-1 at the break, Sufyani said the players were given a fresh set of instructions and tactics which ultimately turned the match in their favour with the Al Nassr U19 forward also getting on the scoresheet to make it 2-1 before Mukhtar Barnawi struck the third minutes later to seal the win.

The win not only sealed Saudi Arabia their knockout stage spot but also a ticket to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u17_asian_cup.html/video/afcu17-|-group-a-thailand-1–3-saudi-arabia

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https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3081472

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. 

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: 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.  

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. 

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.

Predict and win in the #ACLEliteFinals 2024/25 Matchup Challenge

Tue, 22 Apr, 2025

Predict and win in the #ACLEliteFinals 2024/25 Matchup Challenge

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 is heating up as the top clubs from across the continent converge in Saudi Arabia for the Finals where they will battle each other to become the new champions of Asia.  

Asian football fans also have the chance to showcase their game knowledge during the Finals by predicting the results of the matches, including the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the continental showpiece.  

Do you have what it takes to predict the next Asian champion? Register, test your football foresight and stand a chance to win the ultimate prize in this thrilling contest. 

#ACLTwo - Know your Semi-finalists: Sydney FC (AUS)

Sun, 06 Apr, 2025

#ACLTwo - Know your Semi-finalists: Sydney FC (AUS)

Kuala Lumpur: Sydney FC will aim to become the third Australian team to win an Asian club title when they continue their journey in the AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25.

Western Sydney Wanderers won the 2014 AFC Champions League™ while Central Coast Mariners lifted the AFC Cup™ last season and Sydney FC are just three matches away from achieving Asian glory.