Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U-16 Championship presents the stars of tomorrow a platform to shine on the Continental stage and that is what Indian goalkeeper Niraj Kumar is aiming for as he sets his sights on a top four finish.
The South Asians arrived in Malaysia two weeks ahead of the Finals to grind in some solid preparation, playing friendlies and training.
“Malaysia has been nice, we arrived early because we want to qualify for the World Cup,” Kumar told the-AFC.com. “We have acclimated well to the weather and we’re ready for the matches ahead.”
There is pressure on India, having hosted both Championship two years ago and the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The 18th edition of the AFC U-16 Championship has four spots to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru, and for Kumar, that has been a major role in his motivation.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Former champions Islamic Republic of Iran are the favourites but they face a daunting task in Group C against Indonesia, Vietnam and India at the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018.
The head coaches of the four teams came face to face at the pre-match press conference on Thursday, with all admitting that their teams were confident going into the Championship.
On top of Continental glory, four spots are available to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru, which the teams are all eyeing.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: ‘Solid preparation to serve as a strong foundation’ was the general theme of the pre-match press conference for Group B of the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018, as DPR Korea, Jordan, Oman and Yemen kick off their campaign on Friday.
The group’s first match at the MBPJ Stadium will be an all-West Asian affair as Oman take on Yemen, and head coach Magdy Sayed Shalaby believes that his boys have put in the needed hard work in the recent months.
“We participated in the 2018 WAFF U-16 Championship last month, and played against teams like Japan, India, Jordan and Iraq. It was a good tournament where we learned a lot.
“We have seen some matches of Oman, and we hope to play better than them in their opener.
“But right now, the players are eager to make the people of Yemen happy.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The body language said it all - there will be no easy matches in Group A of the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018.
There was mutual respect as the head coaches of hosts Malaysia, Tajikistan, Japan and Thailand came face to face at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, with all admitting that their teams had prepared well for the Championship.
On top of Continental glory, four spots are available to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru, which the four teams are all eyeing.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The AFC U-16 Championship 2018 Malaysia kicks off on Thursday and it promises high octane excitement as the Continent's top 16 get set to go head on.
At stake is Continental glory and four berths to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World in Peru, making it rich pickings for Asia's best.
Join the-AFC.com as we conclude our previews by taking a look at Group D.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The Continent's future stars will showcase their budding skills in the AFC U-16 Championship 2018 Malaysia over the next fortnight.
It promises to be a sizzling affair as the 16 teams chase Continental glory as well as four berths to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru.
Join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the four teams vying for glory in Group C.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: The chase for Continental supremacy and a berth in the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru sets the stage for the AFC U-16 Championship 2018 Malaysia to ignite with the first blow of the whistle.
Teams will be fully aware that they will be no room for mistakes in a tournament that will feature the future stars of Asia from 16 teams.
Join the-AFC.com as we preview Group B of the September 20-October 7 tournament.