Morgan credits Australia’s resilience for historic victory

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Morgan credits Australia’s resilience for historic victory

Shenzhen: Head coach Trevor Morgan lauded his players' mental strength and character after Australia secured the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 title following a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Saudi Arabia in the final on Saturday.

Louis Agosti gave the Young Socceroos the lead in the 25th minute with Saudi Arabia equalising through Talal Haji just before half-time.

With the match ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, Australia held their nerve in the shootout with keeper Steven Hall stepping up to save Bassam Hazazi’s spot-kick to claim their first ever title.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_asian_cup.html/video/afcu20-|-final-australia-1-5-4-1-saudi-arabia

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3073104

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3073106

Soares tells Saudi Arabia players to hold heads high

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Soares tells Saudi Arabia players to hold heads high

Shenzhen: Saudi Arabia head coach Marco Soares said his players had no reason to be disappointed  despite their heartbreaking defeat to Australia in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 final at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Saturday.

Talal Haji cancelled out Louis Agosti’s early opener for Australia but it was not to be for Saudi Arabia as they fell 5-4 in the penalty shootout, which meant having to continue their wait for a fourth title. 

Hall save secures Australia maiden title

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Hall save secures Australia maiden title

Shenzhen: Steven Hall was the star as Australia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-4 on penalties in the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 final at the Baoan Sports Centre Stadium on Saturday.

With the final ending 1-1 after 120 minutes, goalkeeper Hall saved Bassam Hazazi’s spot-kick   as Australia won their first title.

It was heartbreak for Saudi Arabia, who were seeking to emerge champions for a fourth time.  

Australia's Badolato named MVP

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025

Australia's Badolato named MVP

Shenzhen: Alex Badolato of Australia was named the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Most Valuable Player for his outstanding performances that helped Australia clinch the title on Saturday.

Badolato was instrumental throughout the campaign, which saw Australia lifting the title for the first time after defeating Saudi Arabia 5-4 in the final on penalties, following a 1-1 score after extra time on Saturday. 

Uzbekistan's Urinboev scoops Top Scorer Award

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025

Uzbekistan's Urinboev scoops Top Scorer Award

Shenzhen: Uzbekistan’s Mukhammadali Urinboev won the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ China 2025 Top Scorer Award on Saturday.

The forward edged out Korea Republic’s Kim Tae-won, who was also on four goals, by virtue of having played less minutes. Australian duo Luka Jovanovic and Musa Toure, and Islamic Republic of Iran’s Esmaeil Gholizadeh followed with three goals each. 

Saudi Arabia's Yousef takes Best Goalkeeper honour

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

Saudi Arabia's Yousef takes Best Goalkeeper honour

Shenzhen: Saudi Arabia's Hamed Yousef was named the AFC Asian Cup™ China 2025 Best Goalkeeper after playing a pivotal role in his side reaching the final.

Although Saudi Arabia had to settle for the runners-up spot after falling to Australia in the final on Saturday, Yousef proved his pedigree with three clean sheets as he featured in all six matches.

#ACLElite - Bergson wins best goal of MD8 (East) poll

Mon, 03 Mar, 2025

#ACLElite - Bergson wins best goal of MD8 (East) poll

Kuala Lumpur: Bergson's precise strike against against FC Pohang Steelers has been voted as the best goal of Matchday Eight of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 (East).

Bergson's effort in the 52nd minute gave Johor Darul Ta'zim a 2-1 lead in their match against the Korea Republic giants as the Malaysian champions eventually ran out 5-2 winners to seal progression to the Round of 16 in style.

Earning 60% of the votes, Bergson now joins teammate Arif Aiman in advancing to the semi-finals.

#ACLElite Match Predictor: League Stage Wrap & Up Next 

Sun, 02 Mar, 2025

#ACLElite Match Predictor: League Stage Wrap & Up Next 

Kuala Lumpur: With the League Stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/25™ now done and dusted, we reflect on how you performed in the Match Predictor competition. 

From Gwangju’s stunning win against Yokohama F. Marinos to a thrilling 5-4 victory for Al Hilal SFC over Al Ain, there has been no shortage of talking points as we take a closer look at the numbers and give our picks for the Round of 16.  

And if you haven’t been playing up to now, there’s plenty of time to sign up ahead of the knockout rounds kicking off in early March, so come along and join in the fun HERE!

#ACLElite Fantasy Football: Star Performers & Top Tips

Sat, 01 Mar, 2025

#ACLElite Fantasy Football: Star Performers & Top Tips

Kuala Lumpur: The stars lit up the League Stage of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2025/25 and shone brightly for our Fantasy managers too, and there’s sure to be much more to come in the knockout rounds. 

With the Round of 16 kicking off on Monday, there’s still time to reshape your team and bring in the big-hitters to fire your side to glory. And to help you along the way, we’re shining the spotlight on the top performers from the League Stage, so read on before making those big decisions! 

If you haven’t joined the fun yet, you can do so for free by clicking HERE!