Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: With Japan lifting the AFC U-16 Championship for the third time after defeating Tajikistan on Sunday, the-AFC.com takes a look at the teams who were dominant, impressed and showed promise.
Japan powered their way to the 2018 title, making them the most successful team in the continental competition with three championships to their name.
The young Samurai Blue also have the most top four finishes - nine in total, previously having won the title in 1994 and 2006.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has hailed Japan for capturing a record third AFC U-16 Championship title after the East Asians secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Tajikistan at the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
Both countries, along with the tournament’s semi-finalists – Australia and Korea Republic – will represent Asia at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru in October 2019.
AFC President Shaikh Salman said: “I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to Japan for displaying great determination to be crowned champions of Asia. Both Japan and Tajikistan battled bravely in a close encounter that showcased the undeniable talent and promise that exists in Asia.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Japan clinched the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 title after securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tajikistan in the final at the National Stadium on Sunday.
Jun Nishikawa's 63rd minute strike secured Japan a record third AFC U-16 Championship title as Yoshiro Moriyama's side overcame a steely Tajikistan.
Both sides opted for a cautious approach in the opening minutes but Japan, who made four changes to the lineup that had started in the semi-final against Australia, slowly gained the upperhand with Nishikawa on the left flank sending crosses into the box.
Tajikistan, who were camped mostly in their own half, depended on counter attacks and Rustam Soirov had a glimpse at goal in the 10th minute when he made his way past two defenders but shot wide.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Japan head coach Yoshiro Moriyama hailed his young squad for their improvement throughout their AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 campaign, as they beat Tajikistan 1-0 to seal a record third title on Sunday.
“My expectations before the tournament were that it was going to be a difficult tournament, and that our players had to improve game by game,” said Moriyama.
“And they did well to grow and improve throughout the tournament. We overcame whatever difficulties thrown at us and got the trophy.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Jun Nishikawa was named the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 Most Valuable Player (MVP) after steering Japan to their third title with a 1-0 victory over Tajikistan in the final at the National Stadium on Sunday.
Nishikawa scored the winning goal in the final but was a key component in Japan’s march to the title with sterling performances throughout the tournament.
"I didn't score any goals before this game, so going into the match I really wanted to score against Tajikistan, and I did it and I'm really glad. It's a great feeling winning the MVP in Asia, I'm really happy and it is a good achievement for me," said Nishikawa.
"We've had a lot of tournaments and training camps with this team, we have really good chemistry and unity so it's really important to win the tournament with this team. I really want to try and improve towards the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru and have a great tournament."
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Despite exiting the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 at the semi-final stage, Australia head coach Trevor Morgan is confident his boys will leave for home stronger as players.
Their Malaysia 2018 campaign may have been ended by the 3-1 defeat to Japan in the semi-finals on Thursday but this, said Morgan, is just the start of their journey to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru.
“For us, the challenge before we go to the World Cup is to solve what happens next,” said Morgan at the post-match press conference on Thursday.
“To be fitter, to be smarter with our decision making and bettering all of our quality. It was a good lesson for us.”
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Defender Moirangthem Thoiba Singh says India will return home tougher as players following their exit from the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 on Monday.
India were a win away from qualifying for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru and a spot in the the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship, but lost through Jeong Sang-bin’s strike in the 68th minute.
The young Blue Tigers tried to force their way back into the game but the equaliser eluded them and Thoiba, alongside his teammates were inconsolable after the match.