Ijiri credits collective effort for Japan’s triumph

Thu, 16 Apr, 2026

Ijiri credits collective effort for Japan’s triumph

Pathum Thani: Head coach Akira Ijiri credited a collective team effort for Japan’s win against China PR in the semi-finals of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ on Wednesday.

The six-time champions’ dominant display saw them net both their goals in the first half and threaten to add more after the break, with Ijiri attributing the win to years of preparation. 

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_womens_asian_cup.html/video/u20wac-|-semi-finals-china-pr-0-2-japan

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3168204

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3168206

China PR failed to cope with early pressure, admits Bell

Thu, 16 Apr, 2026

China PR failed to cope with early pressure, admits Bell

Thammasat:  China PR head coach Colin Bell attributed Japan’s explosive start for his side’s 2-0 defeat in their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ semi-final on Wednesday.

The 2006 champions were put on the back foot from the start and down by two goals by the 24th minute, but Bell nonetheless praised his side for standing up to the six-time winners.

DPR Korea focused on completing title mission, says Kang

Wed, 15 Apr, 2026

DPR Korea focused on completing title mission, says Kang

Pathum Thani:  Kang Ryu Mi says DPR Korea will spare no effort in their bid to retain the title after helping her side to a commanding 3-0 victory over Korea Republic in their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ semi-final on Wednesday.

The Rimyongsu SC forward expressed pride in contributing on a meaningful day back home and credited the team’s unity and another clean sheet for their dominant display.

Park: Korea Republic will learn from heartbreak

Thu, 16 Apr, 2026

Park: Korea Republic will learn from heartbreak

Pathum Thani: Korea Republic head coach Park Youn-jeong expressed pride in her players despite a 3-0 defeat to DPR Korea in their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ semi-final at the Pathum Thani Stadium on Wednesday.

Pak Il Sim opened the scoring in the 24th minute for DPR Korea with Kang Ryu Mi adding another to leave Park’s side with a mountain to climb before Choe Yon A put the game beyond Korea Republic’s reach in the 84th minute.

Kerr inspires Australia; Thailand triumph

Thu, 16 Apr, 2026

Kerr inspires Australia; Thailand triumph

Nairobi: Australia and Thailand continued their fine form in the Women's FIFA Series 2026 by defeating Kenya and Congo DR respectively to secure title triumphs on Wednesday.

Indonesia, meanwhile, downed New Caledonia while India beat Malawi to seal third-place finishes.

Gamba Osaka swagger into final

Wed, 15 Apr, 2026

Gamba Osaka swagger into final

Bangkok: Gamba Osaka were in total control as the J League 1 side defeated Bangkok United 3-0 in their AFC Champions League Two 2025/26™ semi-final second leg on Wednesday to advance to the final 3-1 on aggregate.

Jens Wissing’s side will now wait for the West Zone knockout stage to pan out to learn their opponents in the final, which is scheduled for May 16.