Ijiri glad to show the ‘Japanese way’

Thu, 09 Apr, 2026

Ijiri glad to show the ‘Japanese way’

Nonthaburi: Japan’s impressive unbeaten run in the group stage of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ may have impressed fans, but for head coach Akira Ijiri, it is just what he expected.

Having won the continental title a record six times, the East Asian side initially trailed by a goal before coming back to eventually seal a 5-2 win, and according to Ijiri, their performance was a true demonstration of the Japanese way of doing things.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_womens_asian_cup.html/video/u20wac-|-group-c-japan-5-2-australia

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https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3166662

Turgunova’s journey fuelled by big dreams for Uzbekistan

Thu, 09 Apr, 2026

Turgunova’s journey fuelled by big dreams for Uzbekistan

Pathum Thani: On a historic night for Uzbekistan football, Oydinoy Turgunova delivered more than just goals, she told a story of belief and the power of support.

The 20-year-old forward struck twice in Uzbekistan’s 4-0 win over Jordan to send her side into the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™, but her performance was rooted in a journey that began far from the bright lights of continental football.

Family the driving force for Australia’s Prakash

Thu, 09 Apr, 2026

Family the driving force for Australia’s Prakash

Nonthaburi: Japan conceded their first goals in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ on Wednesday, with Australia’s Avaani Prakash scoring the first and assisting the second, even as the Young Matildas eventually lost 5-2.

Despite ending up on the wrong side of the scoreline, Prakash was pleased with the improvement in her individual game but admitted that, as a squad, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Alexandersson proud as India sign off in style

Wed, 08 Apr, 2026

Alexandersson proud as India sign off in style

Pathum Thani: Head coach Joakim Alexandersson came away pleased with the way India concluded their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ Group C campaign on Wednesday.

The South Asian side outplayed Chinese Taipei 3-1 to claim their first win, taking a two-goal lead in the first half through Bhumika Khumukcham and Sibani Devi before the latter closed the match by converting a penalty in the 87th minute.

The win, however, was not enough to seal a spot in the quarter-finals, with Vietnam and Uzbekistan pipping India to a place in the next round. 

Pak leading DPR Korea by example

Thu, 09 Apr, 2026

Pak leading DPR Korea by example

Pathum Thani: DPR Korea’s Pak Ok I’s game revolves around teamwork and cooperation - aspects that have propelled her to the forefront of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™.

The DPR Korea captain steadily led her teammates to one-sided wins against Jordan (8-0), Uzbekistan (6-0) and Korea Republic (5-0) in Group B and in the process, emerged as the group stage’s top scorer with six goals.

#U20WAC - Last eight cast finalised

Wed, 08 Apr, 2026

#U20WAC - Last eight cast finalised

Pathum Thani: The AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ is all set for its business end following the conclusion of the group stage on Wednesday.

The quarter-finals - to be played on Saturday and Sunday - promise to be enticing affairs with all eight teams set to battle for the title till the end.