Tajikistan’s Khasanov eyes final

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Tajikistan’s Khasanov eyes final

Kuala Lumpur: When Tajikistan made their AFC U-16 Championship debut in 2006, the Central Asians beat Syria to finish third and earn a 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup berth.

Twelve years later, Tajikistan have done it again, defeating DPR Korea in the quarter-finals to make the last four of the AFC U-16 Championship 2018 and sealing a place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru next year.

It is a remarkable achievement for a country that has only participated in the Finals three times, and much credit must be given to goalkeeper Mukhriddin Khasanov, who made two incredible saves in the penalty shootout against DPR Korea as Tajikistan won 4-2 after the tie had ended 1-1.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u17_asian_cup/video/dpr_korea_v_tajikistan_afc_u-16_championship_2018_-_quarter-finals.html

Quarter-final: Khasanov the hero as Tajikistan seal semis spot

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Quarter-final: Khasanov the hero as Tajikistan seal semis spot

Kuala Lumpur: Goalkeeper Mukhriddin Khasanov starred as Tajikistan defeated DPR Korea 4-2 on penalties to advance to the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 semi-finals at the MBPJ Stadium on Sunday.

The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes and Khasanov stopped the second and third DPR Korea spot-kicks as Tajikistan booked a berth in the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru.

Tajikistan will play the winners of Monday's Korea Republic-India quarter-final in the last four on Thursday.

Jeong: My teammates made the goal

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Jeong: My teammates made the goal

Kuala Lumpur: Jeong Sang-bin has hailed his teammates for their incredible effort in securing Korea Republic a 1-0 win over India on Monday to seal their spot in the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 semi-finals. 

India’s group stage opponents had failed to breach their rock solid defence but substitute Jeong finally broke the South Asians resistance with his strike from close range in the 68th minute as Korea Republic sealed a sixth appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Quarter-final: Super-sub Jeong takes Korea Republic through

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Quarter-final: Super-sub Jeong takes Korea Republic through

Kuala Lumpur: Jeong Sang-bin was Korea Republic's hero as the substitute's 68th minute strike gave the young Taeguek Warriors a 1-0 win over India and a place in the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship 2018 on Monday.

Korea Republic had, until then, struggled to break down the India defence but Jeong showed great instinct to slot in a loose ball at the MBPJ Stadium.

The win assures Korea Republic a berth in the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup and they can now focus on the semi-final against Tajikistan on Thursday.

Morgan hails Australian spirit

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Morgan hails Australian spirit

Kuala Lumpur: Australia head coach Trevor Morgan has praised his players for their fighting spirit after the Joeys defeated Indonesia 3-2 at the National Stadium on Monday to secure a spot in the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 semi-finals and a ticket to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru.

Australia showed their resilience as they fought back from a goal down at half-time to overwhelm Indonesia in the second half and book a semi-final clash against Japan on Thursday.

Morgan revealed that his half-time talk was aimed at giving Australia confidence to play their style of football and push for the win.

Super-sub Shoji has his sights on title 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Super-sub Shoji has his sights on title 

Kuala Lumpur: Match winner Toyama Shoji is confident Japan can go on to clinch their third AFC U-16 Championship title following their 2-1 win over Oman in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

Shoji, who has found the target in every match except for the Group A tie against Tajikistan, was ecstatic to score the goal that sent Japan through to the semi-finals and earn their 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru ticket.

Over but not out for Al Sabahi’s boys

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Over but not out for Al Sabahi’s boys

Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U-16 Championship has always been a platform for budding talents across Asia to test their skills, and Oman head coach Yaqoub Al Sabahi believes his squad garnered much needed and valuable experience despite bowing out after a 2-1 defeat to Japan in the quarter-finals on Sunday. 

Oman recovered almost immediately through Tariq Khamis Al Mashary’s header after defender Issa Khalfan Al Naabi’s own goal, but eventually fell to substitute Toyama Shoji’s 81st minute strike from close range.