#U17WAC - Japan’s Shirai earmarks areas for improvement

Mon, 18 May, 2026

#U17WAC - Japan’s Shirai earmarks areas for improvement

Suzhou: Sadayoshi Shirai cut a forlorn figure after Japan were defeated 5-1 by DPR Korea in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ final on Sunday.

The head coach was disappointed that his side couldn’t cope with the waves of pressure inflicted on them and even though Yumi Hayashi pulled a goal back to make it 2-1, the opportunity to make a comeback was quickly snuffed out.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u17_womens_asian_cup.html/video/u17wac-final-dpr-korea-5-1-japan

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3174301

#U17WAC - DPR Korea power to record fifth title

Sun, 17 May, 2026

#U17WAC - DPR Korea power to record fifth title

Suzhou: DPR Korea were at their customary best as they defeated Japan 5-1 to lift the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ trophy at Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium on Sunday.

Yu Jong Hyang scored four times to take her tournament tally to 15 goals, with Kim Won Sim adding the other to render Yumi Hayashi’s effort immaterial as DPR Korea moved past Japan to land a record-setting fifth title.

#U17WAC - DPR Korea’s Yu takes MVP, Top Goalscorer awards

Sun, 17 May, 2026

#U17WAC - DPR Korea’s Yu takes MVP, Top Goalscorer awards

Suzhou: DPR Korea’s Yu Jong Hyang deservingly held aloft the Most Valuable Player and Top Goalscorer awards after displaying her immense potential at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™.

With 15 goals, Yu was the runaway winner as Asia witnessed the rise of her prodigious talent.

#U17WAC - DPR Korea’s Kim scoops Best Goalkeeper award

Sun, 17 May, 2026

#U17WAC - DPR Korea’s Kim scoops Best Goalkeeper award

Suzhou: Kim Son Gyong was named the Best Goalkeeper of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026™ following DPR Korea’s 5-1 triumph against Japan in the final on Sunday.

The 172cm tall custodian was at her best in the decider at Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium, producing heroics to ensure the title stayed with the East Asian side.

Gamba Osaka’s historic triumph draws high praise from AFC President

Sun, 17 May, 2026

Gamba Osaka’s historic triumph draws high praise from AFC President

Kuala Lumpur: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has extended his warmest congratulations to Gamba Osaka following their 1-0 victory over Al Nassr Club in the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ Final at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on Saturday.

Defying an intense atmospheric challenge away from home, the landmark victory marks Gamba’s first major continental trophy since their famous 2008 AFC Champions League™ campaign. With this triumph, the Japanese side wrote an unprecedented chapter by becoming the first club in the East region to capture both the top-tier and second-tier titles in AFC club football.

Wissing: Gamba’s determination, focus secured title

Sun, 17 May, 2026

Wissing: Gamba’s determination, focus secured title

Riyadh: Jens Wissing was unreserved in his praise of his players after Gamba Osaka’s stunning  AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ triumph on Saturday.

The Japanese side overcame tremendous pressure to edge Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr Club 1-0 in the final at the King Saud University Stadium, with the victory built on defensive grit and complete focus.