Talented Kitahara vows to get even better

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Talented Kitahara vows to get even better

Jeddah: Midfielder Maki Kitahara reflected with a mixture of pride and self-criticism after helping Japan clinch the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ title with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over China PR on Friday.

Kitahara, who finished the tournament with Most Valuable Player and Top Goalscorer awards, played a decisive role in the final by scoring Japan’s third goal in a dominant first-half display that ultimately proved enough despite a nervy finish.

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Japan’s Ono eyes improvements after dramatic title win

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Japan’s Ono eyes improvements after dramatic title win

Jeddah: Japan head coach Shingi Ono admitted there is still significant room for improvement despite his side edging China PR 3-2 in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026™ final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends on Friday.

Japan looked in complete control after racing to a three-goal lead in the first half, but were forced to endure a nervy finish as China PR produced a spirited second-half response to set up a tense closing stage.

Despite the pressure, Japan held firm to secure the title, with Ono reflecting on both the positives of victory and the lessons learned.

Ukishima proud of China PR despite heartbreak

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Ukishima proud of China PR despite heartbreak

Jeddah: China PR head coach Bin Ukishima had nothing but praise for his charges despite their 3-2 defeat to Japan in the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026™ final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends on Friday.

The two-time champions were left chasing the game after conceding three first-half goals, with Japan taking control through a dominant opening period. 

However, China PR responded with determination after the restart, striking twice to ignite hopes of a remarkable comeback, only to fall short at the very end.

Japan survive China PR fightback to clinch title

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Japan survive China PR fightback to clinch title

Jeddah: Japan staved off a second-half fightback from China PR to emerge the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ champions with a 3-2 win in the final at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium Legends on Friday.

The trophy was lifted for a record-extending fifth time after Japan survived a scare in the second half, with China PR fighting back from 3-0 down to come within a whisker of pulling off a sensational comeback.

Japan’s Kitahara takes MVP, Top Goalscorer Awards

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Japan’s Kitahara takes MVP, Top Goalscorer Awards

Jeddah: Maki Kitahara lifted the Most Valuable Player and Top Goalscorer awards following a standout campaign at the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

The midfielder scored Japan's third in the 3-2 victory over China PR in Friday’s final, taking his tally to six and underlining his status as one of the tournament’s most lethal attacking threats.

Japan’s Kosei Oshita scoops Best Goalkeeper honour

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Japan’s Kosei Oshita scoops Best Goalkeeper honour

Jeddah: Kosei Oshita was named the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Best Goalkeeper after playing a pivotal role in Japan’s title-winning campaign.

Oshita capped off an outstanding tournament with another composed display in the final against China PR, providing the foundation for Japan to lift the coveted title for a record-extending fifth time.