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.

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

Japan’s Moriyama contemplates changes

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Japan’s Moriyama contemplates changes

Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Yoshiro Moriyama is ready to make changes now that Japan are in the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship 2018 and have booked a spot to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru.

A third AFC U-16 Championship title is Moriyama’s target but he also wants to blood all his players and the coach hinted there may be changes for Thursday’s semi-final against either Australia or Indonesia.

Should Moriyama do so, it won’t be the first time in the tournament as the 50-year-old coach made seven changes to Japan's starting lineup for the Group A tie against Tajikistan, which finished 0-0.

Quarter-final: Shoji strike steers Japan to win over Oman 

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Quarter-final: Shoji strike steers Japan to win over Oman 

Kuala Lumpur: Toyama Shoji's 81st minute strike earned Japan a place in the AFC U-16 Championship 2018 semi-finals and their ticket to the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup after they edged Oman 2-1 in their last eight tie at the National Stadium on Sunday.

Japan will play the winners of the Australia-Indonesia quarter-final in the last four on Thursday after overcoming a spirited Oman who impressed with their fighting performance.

It was a battle of former champions at the National Stadium, with both teams having previously won two titles each but Group A winners Japan held the lion’s share of possession in the early minutes but hardly tested Omani goalkeeper Mitham Ali Al Ajmi.

Quarter-final: Australia edge Indonesia for semis berth

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Quarter-final: Australia edge Indonesia for semis berth

Kuala Lumpur: Australia came from behind to defeat Indonesia 3-2 to advance to the semi-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 at the National Stadium on Monday.

Australia will play Japan, who beat Oman 2-1 in Sunday’s quarter-final, in the last four on Thursday.

The semi-final berth also means Australia have confirmed a place in the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru, after having been eliminated at the group stage in the AFC U-16 Championship 2016.

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.

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.

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.