#AFCU17 graduates aiming to shine at China 2025

Wed, 12 Feb, 2025

#AFCU17 graduates aiming to shine at China 2025

Shenzhen: The AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 kicks off on Wednesday, with 16 teams hoping to lay their hands on the coveted trophy.

Of the 368 players set to showcase their skills over the coming days, 69 (19%) were also part of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Thailand 2023, presenting us with some interesting stats.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3068809

#AFCU20 - Players to watch

Mon, 10 Feb, 2025

#AFCU20 - Players to watch

Shenzhen: The AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 kicks off on Wednesday with 16 teams vying for the coveted title.

As the countdown to the kick-off gathers pace, the-AFC.com highlights one player to watch per team.

Preview - Group A: Australia v Kyrgyz Republic

Wed, 12 Feb, 2025

Preview - Group A: Australia v Kyrgyz Republic

Shenzhen: Australia and Kyrgyz Republic will be equally determined to start their respective AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 campaigns on the front foot when the sides clash in their Group A opener at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Wednesday.

Both sides are dreaming of glory, with Australia’s best in the continental showpiece being a runners-up finish in 2010. Kyrgyz Republic did not advance past the group stage in their previous two appearances. 

Preview - Group A: China PR v Qatar

Mon, 17 Feb, 2025

Preview - Group A: China PR v Qatar

Shenzhen: China PR will be looking to maximise home ground advantage when they kick off their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Group A campaign against Qatar on Wednesday.

Head coach Dejan Djurdjevic has set lofty ambitions for his side as they seek to gain a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, having last qualified for the global showpiece in 2014.

#AFCU20 - Know your China 2025 teams

Thu, 06 Feb, 2025

#AFCU20 - Know your China 2025 teams

Shenzhen: The AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 kicks off on Wednesday with 16 teams set to vie for the title.

Twelve will be seeking to emerge champions again and as the excitement peaks, join the-AFC.com as we take a look at the four groups.

#AFCU20 - In Numbers

Thu, 06 Feb, 2025

#AFCU20 - In Numbers

Shenzhen: The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™ is just days away with teams in their final stage of preparations.

Set to be contested between February 12-March 1, it is a tournament laden with history and the-AFC.com takes a look at some interesting facts ahead of the action kicking off on Wednesday.

#AFCU20 - China 2025 squads finalised

Sat, 08 Feb, 2025

#AFCU20 - China 2025 squads finalised

Shenzhen: The squads for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™ have been named as the 16 teams get set for what they hope is the road to glory.

Numerous players have previously used the tournament as the springboard to success and China 2025 promises to be the same.

MD7: Shandong Taishan FC (CHN) 3-1 Gwangju FC (KOR)

Wed, 12 Feb, 2025

MD7: Shandong Taishan FC (CHN) 3-1 Gwangju FC (KOR)

Jinan: Chinese Super League side Shandong Taishan produced a stunning performance to cruise 3-1 past Gwangju FC of Korea Republic on Tuesday to revive their hopes of reaching the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 knockout stage.

The win moved Shandong up to 10 points and they must win their Matchday Eight fixture against Korea Republic’s Ulsan HD next week to stand a chance of advancing.

Defeat left Gwangju rooted on 13 points but they sealed their spot in the Round of 16 as they are assured of a top eight finish. Also through from the East Zone following Tuesday's results were Japanese trio Vissel Kobe, Yokohama F. Marinos and Kawasaki Frontale.

MD7: Vissel Kobe (JPN) 4-0 Shanghai Port FC (CHN)

Wed, 12 Feb, 2025

MD7: Vissel Kobe (JPN) 4-0 Shanghai Port FC (CHN)

Kobe: Hosts Vissel Kobe handed Shanghai Port a crushing 4-0 defeat on Tuesday as the J1 League champions confirmed their progress to the knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25.

Yoshinori Muto, Yuya Kuwasaki, Koya Yuruki and Yuya Osako were all on target for Takayuki Yoshida’s side while Shanghai Port goalkeeper Yan Junling saved a penalty from Osako in a one-sided display at Kobe Wing Stadium.

The win moves the Japanese outfit onto 16 points from their seven games so far and guarantees the 2020 semi-finalists a place in the last 16 with one round of matches remaining.

Shanghai Port, meanwhile, will have to wait until their final group phase match against Yokohama F. Marinos next Wednesday to add to their eight points as Kevin Muscat’s side attempt to progress as well.

MD7: FC Pohang Steelers (KOR) 0-4 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN)

Wed, 12 Feb, 2025

MD7: FC Pohang Steelers (KOR) 0-4 Kawasaki Frontale (JPN)

Pohang: Kawasaki Frontale booked their berth in the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 with a 4-0 win against 10-man FC Pohang Steelers on Tuesday.

The win took Frontale up to 15 points, sealing their progress to the Round of 16 as they are assured of a top eight finish while Pohang’s fate will be decided in their final match next week.

MD7: Central Coast Mariners (AUS) 1-2 Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS)

Wed, 12 Feb, 2025

MD7: Central Coast Mariners (AUS) 1-2 Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS)

Gosford: Debutant Alvaro Gonzalez scored twice in the second half as Johor Darul Ta’zim secured a 2-1 win over 10-man Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Tuesday to move the Malaysian side closer to a berth in the knockout rounds of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25.

The Spaniard netted in the 64th and 79th minutes to earn JDT their first away win in the competition after Mariners goalkeeper Dylan Peraic-Cullen had been sent off in first half injury time and Alou Kuol cancelled out Gonzalez’s opener.

The victory moved JDT onto 11 points from seven matches and the Malaysia Super League champions have to defeat FC Pohang Steelers next week to be absolutely sure of advancing to the next round.