Fellow university alumnus Mitoma inspires Suwama, Abu Taha welcomes Kalbouneh boost

Sat, 11 Mar, 2023

Fellow university alumnus Mitoma inspires Suwama, Abu Taha welcomes Kalbouneh boost

Tashkent: Japan defender Kosei Suwama cited Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Kaoru Mitoma as an inspirational figure as he looks to help Japan reach the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 semi-finals when the Samurai Blue take on Jordan on Sunday.

Japan topped Group D with the full nine points to set-up a clash with Group C runners-up Jordan in the quarter-finals with the winners at Lokomotiv Stadium also getting a ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia 2023.

The Samurai Blue last won the AFC U20 Asian Cup back in 2016 when a team featuring the likes of Ritsu Doan and Takehiro Tomiyasu beat Saudi Arabia in the final on penalties, going on to reach the Round of 16 at the U20 World Cup the following year, but for Suwama, his inspiration this tournament comes from figures with a more similar background to himself.

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Vote for Your Best Goal of the Group Stage!

Fri, 10 Mar, 2023

Vote for Your Best Goal of the Group Stage!

Tashkent: Eight teams remain in the hunt for the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 title after the group stage came to a close on Thursday on the back of nine high-octane days of drama. 

A total of 55 goals rained in over the 24 matches in Tashkent and Fergana with a number of fantastic efforts catching the eye. The-AFC.com has picked eight of the best and asks you, the fans, to tell us which is your favourite by voting below.  

Pressure-free China PR ready to shine, says Yang

Sat, 11 Mar, 2023

Pressure-free China PR ready to shine, says Yang

Tashkent: China PR defender Yang Minjie believes he and his teammates will go into their quarter-final clash with Korea Republic at the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 with the freedom to perform having already exceeded expectations by progressing beyond the group phase.

The Chinese are appearing in the knockout rounds for the first time since 2014 after a 1-1 draw with Krygyz Republic in their final Group D game took Antonio Puche’s side into the quarter-finals, and one step from a first FIFA U20 World Cup qualification since 2005.
 
But, even though there is a place at this year’s edition of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia on the line when the game kicks off at JAR Stadium on Sunday, Yang says there will be no pressure on the Chinese.

Japan’s Matsuki determined to lead from the front

Sat, 11 Mar, 2023

Japan’s Matsuki determined to lead from the front

Tashkent: Japan were the only side to conclude their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 group stage campaign with a perfect record of three wins with Kuryu Matsuki playing a prominent role. 

Matsuki, who had been critical of his performance in the earlier Group D matches against China PR and Kyrgyz Republic, was at his best against defending champions Saudi Arabia as his brace secured a 2-1 win on Thursday and a quarter-final against Jordan on Sunday.

Group Stage in Numbers

Sat, 11 Mar, 2023

Group Stage in Numbers

Tashkent: The group stage of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 drew to a close on Thursday as the cast for the quarter-finals was confirmed. 

Ahead of the last-eight matches taking place on Saturday and Sunday, the-AFC.com highlights some of the stats and facts that stood out during the group stage.