Oh and Ri relishing face-off

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Oh and Ri relishing face-off

Pathum Thani: Korea Republic’s Oh Dan-bi and DPR Korea’s Ri Su Jong will take centre stage when their sides meet in the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ on Wednesday.

For defender Oh, the match presents an opportunity to show how much Korea Republic have grown since their 5-0 defeat to the defending champions in the group stage while Ri will be aiming to keep her team’s title defence on track. 

The 19-year-old, who plays for UNSW FC in Australia, featured in the defeat to DPR Korea and later helped her side reach the semi-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time win against Thailand in the quarter-finals, coming on as a late substitute for Han Min-seo.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3167860

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3167862

Preview - SF: DPR Korea v Korea Republic

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Preview - SF: DPR Korea v Korea Republic

Pathum Thani: Reigning champions DPR Korea will be aiming for a second win in as many matches when they lock horns with Korea Republic in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ semi-finals on Wednesday.

The teams met in the group stage, with DPR Korea cruising to a 5-0 win as they underlined their status as favourites with a perfect run to the last four stage, netting 22 goals and conceding none. 

Preview - SF: China PR v Japan

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Preview - SF: China PR v Japan

Thammasat: China PR have full confidence that they will get the better of Japan when the sides meet in their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ semi-final on Wednesday.

The 2006 champions made the semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in their last eight tie after a perfect group stage run, and head coach Colin Bell is optimistic they will continue their run by going past six-time winners Japan. 

Japan’s Iwasaki, China PR’s Yu ready to excel

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Japan’s Iwasaki, China PR’s Yu ready to excel

Thammasat: Japan’s Uruha Iwasaki and China PR’s Yue Xingyue are aiming to improve their individual performances when their sides meet in the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ on Wednesday.

Both played pivotal roles as their teams breezed through the group stage with perfect records, and put in equally strong showings in the quarter-finals.

Iwasaki, Japan’s first choice goalkeeper, has been a safe pair of hands, conceding only twice in the group stage encounter against Australia but is not satisfied with her performance. 

Mancini hails resilient Al Sadd; Al Hilal's Inzaghi rues elimination

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Mancini hails resilient Al Sadd; Al Hilal's Inzaghi rues elimination

Jeddah: Roberto Mancini was effusive in his praise after Al Sadd SC produced a remarkable performance to advance to the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ on Monday.

The Qatari side came from behind thrice to force extra-time following a 3-3 draw and then saw off the challenge of favourites Al Hilal SFC with a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout.

Landmark expansion of AFC Champions League Elite™ from 2026/27 season recommended

Tue, 14 Apr, 2026

Landmark expansion of AFC Champions League Elite™ from 2026/27 season recommended

Kuala Lumpur: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Competitions Committee has recommended a series of strategic enhancements to the Continent’s premier club competition, the AFC Champions League Elite™ (ACL Elite), headlined by a move to a 32-team format beginning in the 2026/27 season. 

The reforms underscore the AFC’s commitment to further promote inclusivity and excellence across the Continent whilst introducing a more rigorous qualification pathway to the Knockout Stage.