Thorough preparation pays off for Saudi Arabia’s Al Otaibi

Fri, 18 Apr, 2025

Thorough preparation pays off for Saudi Arabia’s Al Otaibi

Taif: For the second match running, goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al Otaibi performed heroics for Saudi Arabia in the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 as his nation booked their place in Sunday’s title showdown.

Having already saved one spot-kick in the 3-2 shootout win against Japan in the quarter-finals, Al Otaibi proved himself to be a penalty expert after he saved from 12 yards against Korea Republic in their semi-final on Thursday.

Al Otaibi denied Jeong Hyeon-ung and Kim Do-yeon, with Korea Republic also missing through Kim Min-chan’s off-target effort as Saudi Arabia sealed a 3-1 victory with the custodian putting it down to good preparatory work.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u17_asian_cup.html/video/afcu17-|-semi-finals-saudi-arabia-1-3-1-1-korea-republic

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3084271

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3084273

Ismoilov praises Uzbekistan’s focused display

Fri, 18 Apr, 2025

Ismoilov praises Uzbekistan’s focused display

Taif: Uzbekistan head coach Islombek Ismoilov hailed his players’ performance after they comprehensively beat DPR Korea 3-0 to book an AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 final showdown against Saudi Arabia.

The young White Wolves were completely in control of the semi-final clash against their opponents who were reduced to 10-man in the first half at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia edge Korea Republic on penalties to book title shot

Fri, 18 Apr, 2025

Saudi Arabia edge Korea Republic on penalties to book title shot

Taif: Saudi Arabia came back from the cusp of defeat to beat Korea Republic 3-1 on penalties on Thursday to reach the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 final.

Abu Baker Saeed’s equaliser in stoppage time took the semi-final into a penalty shoot-out, with the match having ended 1-1.

Goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al Otaibi emerged the hero after saving attempts from Jeong Hyeon-ung and Kim Do-yeon in the shootout.

Uzbekistan close in on glory after dominant win

Fri, 18 Apr, 2025

Uzbekistan close in on glory after dominant win

Taif: Uzbekistan stormed into the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025  final after an impressive 3-0 victory against 10-man DPR Korea at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium on Thursday.

The young White Wolves - seeking a second title since 2012 - will face Saudi Arabia in Sunday’s final, with the hosts having beaten Korea Republic 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. 

#ACLElite - Mahrez tops best goal of R16 (West)

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025

#ACLElite - Mahrez tops best goal of R16 (West)

Kuala Lumpur: Riyad Mahrez’s stunning strike against Qatar’s Al Rayyan SC has been voted as the best goal of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 (West) Round of 16.

Mahrez showed grace and composure inside a packed Al Rayyan box to open Al Ahli Saudi’s account before the midfield maestro doubled his tally to seal the win.

Know Your Teams: Al Nassr Club (KSA)

Fri, 18 Apr, 2025

Know Your Teams: Al Nassr Club (KSA)

Kuala Lumpur: Al Nassr Club will spare no effort in attempting to lift the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 title when the Finals kick off next week.

Having had to previously settle for two semi-final finishes, Al Nassr will feel this is their best chance to lay their hands on the coveted trophy after having cruised into the knockout stage.

Know Your Teams: Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

Thu, 17 Apr, 2025

Know Your Teams: Al Hilal SFC (KSA)

Kuala Lumpur: Al Hilal SFC will head into the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals 2024/25 determined to lift the Asian title for a fifth time.

Jorge Jesus' side were denied by eventual champions Al Ain FC of the UAE in the semi-finals of the 2024/25 edition and will spare no effort in making sure they go all the way.

Semi-Automated Offside Technology to be implemented at #ACLElite Finals Jeddah 2025

Tue, 15 Apr, 2025

Semi-Automated Offside Technology to be implemented at #ACLElite Finals Jeddah 2025

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will mark another milestone in match officiating with the introduction of the Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) system at the AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite) Finals Jeddah 2025.

It will be the maiden implementation of SAOT at an AFC club competition, following the system’s debut at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, which saw the AFC become the first Confederation in world football to apply the system at the Continental Men’s national team level.

Svay Rieng hold off Madura to advance

Fri, 18 Apr, 2025

Svay Rieng hold off Madura to advance

Gresik: Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng booked their place in the AFC Challenge League 2024/25 final as the Cambodians drew 3-3 with Indonesia’s Madura United at the Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium in Gresik on Thursday to complete a 6-3 aggregate semi-final win.

Pep Munoz’s side will take on Arkadag from Turkmenistan on May 10 after successfully building on a 3-0 victory in Phnom Penh in the first leg last week to progress to the club’s first continental final.

Gabriel Silva gave Svay Rieng the perfect start in the fifth minute before Pedro Monteiro levelled for the home side in the 27th minute. Bounphachan Bounkong restored the visitors’ lead a minute later and Min Ratanak increased Svey Rieng’s advantage.

But a strike by Andi Irfan and an own goal by goalkeeper Vireak Dara moments after Haudi Abdillah had been sent off for the hosts earned Madura United a second leg draw in front of their own fans.

Rankovic applauds Lion City Sailors' focus

Thu, 17 Apr, 2025

Rankovic applauds Lion City Sailors' focus

Sydney: Lion City Sailors head coach Aleksandar Rankovic praised his players for remaining focused despite Sydney FC threatening to mount a fightback in their AFC Champions League Two™ 2024/25 semi-final second leg on Wednesday.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg, Singapore's Sailors looked to have weathered Sydney's pressure but Joe Lolley's 85th minute strike for the Australian side set up a grandstand finish at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Rankovic's team, however, held on to advance and create history as the first side from Singapore to make an Asian final.