Nerves not a factor for China PR’s Cheng, DPR Korea’s So

Wed, 13 May, 2026

Nerves not a factor for China PR’s Cheng, DPR Korea’s So

Suzhou: China PR’s Cheng Wandi and So Ye Rim of DPR Korea are equally determined to not let nerves get the better of them when their sides meet in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ semi-final on Thursday.

While China PR are seeking to lift the trophy for the first time, DPR Korea are not only aiming to defend their title but win it for a record fifth time but both players said they are relishing the opportunity of helping bring success to their respective nations 

 

Cheng was a substitute in the opening two Group A ties against Myanmar and Vietnam but made huge contributions coming off the bench by scoring in both matches.

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Australia’s Pearson wants more; Japan’s Maeda braced for tough encounter

Wed, 13 May, 2026

Australia’s Pearson wants more; Japan’s Maeda braced for tough encounter

Suzhou: Willa Pearson is aiming for Australia to hit a second target while Misato Maedo of Japan expects another tough match when their two sides clash in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ semi-final on Thursday.

With both sides having also confirmed their places at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026, it is now a race for continental glory with Japan seeking a fifth title and Australia their first.

Road to Final - Al Nassr Club (KSA)

Tue, 12 May, 2026

Road to Final - Al Nassr Club (KSA)

Riyadh: Al Nassr Club will be determined to end their long wait for a continental title by lifting the AFC Champions League Two™ trophy by beating Japan's Gamba Osaka in the final of the 2025/26 edition.

Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr won the Asian Cup Winners' Cup and Asian Super Cup in the 1990s but go into the final confident of their chances after being in imperious form on the continent this season.

The-AFC.com retraces Al Nassr's journey to the final, which they will host at the King Saud University Stadium on Saturday.

Road to Final: Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Tue, 12 May, 2026

Road to Final: Gamba Osaka (JPN)

Riyadh: Gamba Osaka will be aiming to add the AFC Champions League Two™ trophy to their cabinet when they take on Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr Club in the final of the 2025/26 edition on Saturday.

AFC Champions League™ winners in 2008, Gamba are seeking to become the first Japanese side to lift the AFC Champions League Two trophy.

The-AFC.com takes a look at how they reached the decider, which will be played at the King Saud University Stadium.

#AFCU17 - Group A: Saudi Arabia 5-5 Tajikistan

Wed, 13 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Group A: Saudi Arabia 5-5 Tajikistan

Jeddah: Muhammadjon Mirahmadov scored in the fifth minute of added time as Tajikistan amazingly held Saudi Arabia to a 5-5 draw in their concluding AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group A tie at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Tuesday.

The Central Asian side refused to concede defeat despite trailing throughout the match but the point was not enough for them to finish top with Saudi Arabia winning the group on goal difference.

The hosts will face China PR in the quarter-finals while Tajikistan will play Japan.

#AFCU17 - Group A: Thailand 2-2 Myanmar

Wed, 13 May, 2026

#AFCU17 - Group A: Thailand 2-2 Myanmar

Jeddah: Thailand fought back from two goals down to force a 2-2 stalemate with Myanmar in their concluding AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group A tie on Tuesday.

The draw meant the sides finished on one point each with Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan advancing to the knockout stage from the group.