My dream is to play for Barcelona, says Japan’s Miharu

Wed, 08 May, 2024

My dream is to play for Barcelona, says Japan’s Miharu

Bali: Captain Shinjo Miharu cut a commanding figure in Japan’s 4-0 win over Thailand in Group B of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 on Tuesday, with her calm play and precision passing in the high-octane tie being rewarded with Player of the Match honours. 

The 17-year-old, who head coach Sadayoshi Shirai calls “our best player”, not only led her team to their opening win but also scored Japan’s first goal via a swerving shot from inside the box that left Thai keeper Atima Boonprakanpai helpless.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3026867.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3026870.html

China PR’s Li wants goals to match performance

Tue, 07 May, 2024

China PR’s Li wants goals to match performance

Bali: Li Yuhan produced an eye-catching performance for China PR as they asserted themselves as early contenders for a place in the semi-finals of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024.

Li was a constant menace to Australia’s defence in a 3-0 win for the Chinese at Bali United Training Center in their Group B opener on Tuesday.

Japan lay early marker; Thailand vow to improve

Wed, 08 May, 2024

Japan lay early marker; Thailand vow to improve

Bali: Japan head coach Sadayoshi Shirai believes his side’s 4-0 defeat of Thailand in their first AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 Group B match on Tuesday gives them a solid foundation to achieve their target of winning the competition.  

While Thailand defended well in the first half, four-time AFC U-16 Women’s Championship winners Japan increased the tempo in the second, resulting in two goals from Anon Tsuda and one apiece from Shinjo MIharu and Sakaki Manaka.

Tactical success pleases China PR’s van Egmond

Tue, 07 May, 2024

Tactical success pleases China PR’s van Egmond

Bali: Gary van Egmond was delighted to see his plans work perfectly as China PR side defeated Australia 3-0 to kickstart their AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 campaign in fine fashion.

The goals came from Zhou Xinyi, Xiao Jiayi and Zhang Kecan but it was the performance of the effervescent Li Yuhan that became the cornerstone of China PR’s success with van Egmond happy to see his charges thrive.

Vote for your best goal of #AFCU23

Sun, 05 May, 2024

Vote for your best goal of #AFCU23

Kuala Lumpur:  With the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ having come to a close following Friday’s final, we reflect on some of the best goals from the tournament and ask you, the fans, to select your favourite. 

Long-range screamers, magnificent solo efforts, stunning free-kicks and superb team moves, the sixth edition of one the continent’s premier youth competitions saw goals from all angles and distances to delight lovers of Asian football across the globe. 

Al Ain in the #ACL

Wed, 08 May, 2024

Al Ain in the #ACL

Riyadh: The United Arab Emirates’ most successful club, Al Ain, return to the AFC Champions League™ final for the fourth time in their history, facing the challenge of Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos in the 2023/24 edition.

Among West Asian clubs, only two (Al Hilal and Al Sadd) have played in the AFC Champions League more than Al Ain, and only Al Hilal have contested the knockout stages of the competition more times than the Emirati powerhouse. Ahead of the first leg of the final, the-AFC.com revisits Al Ain’s journey in the continental competition over the past two decades.

Group B: Japan 4-0 Thailand

Tue, 07 May, 2024

Group B: Japan 4-0 Thailand

Bali: Japan kicked off their bid for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 title with a 4-0 win over Thailand at the Captain 1 Wayan Dipta Stadium on Tuesday.

One goal apiece by Shinjo MIharu and Sakaki Manaka and two from Anon Tsuda saw the four-time AFC U-16 Women’s Championship winners go level with China PR, who beat Australia 3-0 in the earlier Group B opener.

Group B: China PR 3-0 Australia

Tue, 07 May, 2024

Group B: China PR 3-0 Australia

Bali: Li Yuhan produced an attacking masterclass as she led China PR to a 3-0 win over Australia in their opening Group B match in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024 on Tuesday.

The left forward laid on one assist, twice hit the post and was a threat to Australia throughout the match, helping China PR to three points.