#AFCU20 - S-finals: 5 things to look out for

Tue, 25 Feb, 2025

#AFCU20 - S-finals: 5 things to look out for

Shenzhen: The AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 has reached the penultimate stage with the semi-finals to be played on Wednesday.

As the four teams finalise their preparations for what promises to be two thrilling showdowns, the-AFC.com highlights five things to look out for.

Homework pays off for Korea Republic’s Hong

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

Homework pays off for Korea Republic’s Hong

Shenzhen: Goalkeeper Hong Seong-min was the toast of the Korea Republic team after his heroics in the shootout saw the 12-time champions triumph over Uzbekistan to reach the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 on Sunday.

Having denied Uzbekistan skipper Muhammadali Urinboev from the penalty spot in the second minute, Hong then did the same in the shootout after the tie ended 3-3, stopping Ollabergan Karimov and Murodjon Komilov as Korea Republic emerged 3-1 winners after the tie ended 3-3.

Japan live up to Funakoshi’s expectations

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

Japan live up to Funakoshi’s expectations

Shenzhen: Head coach Yuzo Funakoshi was proud of his players’ perseverance after Japan secured a 4-3 penalty victory over Islamic Republic of Iran in their  AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 quarter-final on Sunday.

Having come from behind and then dominating the tie, the match needed a shootout after the match ended 1-1 with Rion Ichihara’s spot-kick taking Japan into the semi-finals and booking their ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup Chile 2025.

Soares: Luck on Saudi Arabia’s side

Sat, 22 Feb, 2025

Soares: Luck on Saudi Arabia’s side

Shenzhen: Head coach Marcos Soares was quick to admit that Saudi Arabia’s progress to the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 semi-finals was partly down to luck. 

Amar Al Yuhaybi scored against the run of play five minutes into second half stoppage time to send the three-time champions not only a step closer to a fourth title but also sealed their place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025.

Morgan applauds Australia’s grit

Sun, 23 Feb, 2025

Morgan applauds Australia’s grit

Shenzhen: Australia’s dramatic 3-2 victory against Iraq in their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025  quarter-final on Saturday was a testament of the Young Socceroos’ resilience and patience, said head coach Trevor Morgan.

The Australians dug deep despite Iraq twice taking the lead, with Alexander Badolato then netting the winner with a stunning shot from just outside the Iraqi penalty box.

Europe Wrap: Son steers Spurs, dazzling home debut for Dabbagh

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

Europe Wrap: Son steers Spurs, dazzling home debut for Dabbagh

Kuala Lumpur: Son Heung-min contributed two assists as Tottenham Hotspur cruised 4-1 past Ipswich Town in the English Premier League.

Palestine’s all-time leading scorer Oday Dabbagh stole the spotlight when he struck the only goal in his home debut for Aberdeen in their Scottish Premiership win over Kilmarnock.

There were also goals and assists galore for the Asian contingent as numerous household names featured for their respective sides across Europe the past week.

Follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to.

#ACLElite - Kooshki wins best goal of MD8 (West)

Fri, 28 Feb, 2025

#ACLElite - Kooshki wins best goal of MD8 (West)

Kuala Lumpur: Alireza Kooshki emerged the winner of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 West Zone's Matchday 8 best goals poll with 82 percent of the votes.

Kooshki's clinical finish off Ramin Rezaeian's through pass secured the Esteghlal FC player's spot in the semi-finals

Check out the results at the bottom and don't forget to cast your vote for the East Zone's best goal of Matchday 8 with polling to start on Saturday.

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad, Al Sadd strike crucial blows in Saudi Arabia, Qatar

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

West Asia Wrap: Al Ittihad, Al Sadd strike crucial blows in Saudi Arabia, Qatar

Doha: Al Ittihad turned on the power to defeat Al Hilal SFC as they took a firm grip on the Saudi Pro League title race.

In Qatar, defending champions Al Sadd SC moved within a point of Al Duhail SC after a 2-0 win in their top-of-the-table clash.
 
There were also matches in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon and Oman so join the-AFC.com as we review the latest round of domestic action across West Asia.

Central & South Asia Wrap: Mohun Bagan create ISL history

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

Central & South Asia Wrap: Mohun Bagan create ISL history

Mumbai: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the first team in Indian Super League (ISL) history to defend the title with a 1-0 win over Odisha FC on Sunday.

In Islamic Republic of Iran, Tractor FC maintained their one-point lead over Sepahan, join the-AFC.com as we look at the domestic action across Central and South Asia this past week.

ASEAN Wrap: JDT clinch 11th consecutive Malaysian title

Tue, 25 Feb, 2025

ASEAN Wrap: JDT clinch 11th consecutive Malaysian title

Kuala Lumpur: Johor Darul Ta'zim lifted the Malaysia Super League title for the 11th straight season after a 2-0 win over Perak on Monday.

Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng beat Boeung Ket while Kaya FC-Iloilo defeated Maharlika as both teams stayed in pole position in Cambodia and the Philippines respectively. In Indonesia, Persib Bandung's lead was cut to eight points while Lion City Sailors remained six clear in Singapore with Lennart Thy producing a four-goal performance.
 
There were also matches in Australia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam so join the-AFC.com in our review of the past week’s domestic action across ASEAN.

East Asia Wrap: Winning start for Shanghai Port; perfect three in Japan

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

East Asia Wrap: Winning start for Shanghai Port; perfect three in Japan

Shenzhen: Shanghai Port opened their Chinese Super League season with a win over Shenzhen Peng City while three teams stayed perfect in Japan.

Defending champions Ulsan HD got on the winning track in Korea Republic while Tai Po are four clear in Hong Kong.
 
The-AFC.com takes a look at the past week’s domestic action across East Asia.

Japan to face USA in SheBelieves Cup decider

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025

Japan to face USA in SheBelieves Cup decider

Miami: Japan defeated Colombia 4-1 while Australia lost 2-1 to the United States in the SheBelieves Cup on Sunday.

Japan will now attempt to make it three wins in a row and win the title when they take on the USA on Wednesday.

Japan's better goal difference means that the USA must win Wednesday's game to defend their title while Japan would be crowned with a win or a draw.