Rawlins eager to face Bunyodkor challenge, Rahmonaliyev vows to deliver for fans

Sat, 11 Mar, 2023

Rawlins eager to face Bunyodkor challenge, Rahmonaliyev vows to deliver for fans

Tashkent: Australia captain Joshua Rawlins is relishing the prospect of leading his team out at a fired up Bunyodkor Stadium with a place at the FIFA U20 World Cup on the line when the Young Socceroos take on Uzbekistan in Saturday’s quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023.

The Australians have not qualified for the FIFA U20 World Cup since 2013 and, with a semi-final berth in Uzbekistan securing a ticket for Indonesia in May and June, FC Utrecht defender Rawlins is looking forward to ending his nation’s absence from the global stage with victory over the hosts.

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2949891.html

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/2949896.html

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.  

Togashi praises Japan players' self-motivation after beating Saudi Arabia

Fri, 10 Mar, 2023

Togashi praises Japan players' self-motivation after beating Saudi Arabia

Tashkent: Japan head coach Koichi Togashi believes his players' self-motivation was crucial to their 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia which helped them seal the top spot in Group D of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 on Thursday.

With six points to their name already, the Samurai Blue looked to avoid complacency as they took on the defending champions in the last game, and a double from Kuryu Matsuki either side of a Yazeed Jawshan header for Saudi Arabia was enough to get them the victory.
 
Japan take on Jordan next for a place in the FIFA U20 World Cup Indonesia 2023, while Saudi Arabia finished third and are eliminated.

China PR's Puche sets sights on semis

Fri, 10 Mar, 2023

China PR's Puche sets sights on semis

Tashkent: China PR coach Antonio Puche was euphoric as his side booked a place in the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 as a 1-1 draw with Kyrgyz Republic on Thursday sealed the nation a spot in the knockout rounds for the first time in almost a decade.

The Chinese will meet East Asian rivals Korea Republic on Sunday at JAR Stadium with a place at the FIFA U20 World Cup Finals in Indonesia in May and June at stake, and the Spaniard could not have been more delighted.

Teamwork has been the key to Korea Republic's success, says Joon-hong

Fri, 10 Mar, 2023

Teamwork has been the key to Korea Republic's success, says Joon-hong

Tashkent: The goalless draw against Tajikistan at the Bunyodkor Stadium on Wednesday marked the third successive match where goalkeeper Kim Joon-hong stood tall as Korea Republic advanced to the AFC U20 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2023 quarter-finals without conceding a goal.

The final Group C match saw head coach Kim Eun-jung make significant changes to the line-up with no significant impact on the defence, leading Joon-hong to highlight Korea Republic’s awesome depth.