Japan edge DPR Korea to lift title

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Japan edge DPR Korea to lift title

Pathum Thani: Japan upstaged a dominant DPR Korea 1-0 to emerge champions of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ at the Thammasat Stadium on Saturday.

Momoka Sano struck the winner as Akira Ijiri’s side clinched a record-extending seventh title, while defending champions DPR Korea were left to wonder how they lost a match they had largely controlled. 

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Japan’s Fukushima receives Most Valuable Player honour

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Japan’s Fukushima receives Most Valuable Player honour

Pathum Thani: Noa Fukushima won the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ Most Valuable Player award as the Japan midfielder finished the tournament with five goals and three assists.

The JFA Academy Fukushima midfielder was an attacking threat throughout the campaign, playing a pivotal role in the now seven-time champions’ run to the final with goals across the group stage and knockout rounds.

DPR Korea’s Ok I emerges Top Scorer

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

DPR Korea’s Ok I emerges Top Scorer

Pathum Thani: Pak Ok I won the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ Top Scorer award after the DPR Korea midfielder closed the continental showpiece with seven goals on Saturday.

Ok I found the back of the net in all three group stage ties and in the quarter-finals before DPR Korea’s 1-0 defeat to Japan in the final. 

DPR Korea's Ju Gyong named Best Goalkeeper

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

DPR Korea's Ju Gyong named Best Goalkeeper

Pathum Thani: Pak Ju Gyong’s outstanding performances between the posts earned the DPR Korea custodian Best Goalkeeper honours at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™.

This is the second time the 19-year-old has bagged a continental award, claiming her first at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2024.

Machida's strength comes from unity, says Kuroda

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Machida's strength comes from unity, says Kuroda

Jeddah: FC Machida Zelvia head coach Go Kuroda credited his players’ unity for their 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad Club on Friday as the Japanese club advanced to the continental semi-finals for the first time at the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™.

Tete Yengi’s 31st minute goal separated the teams at the end of a tense clash at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium and Machida will face either Thailand’s Buriram United or Shabab Al Ahli from the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday for a berth in the final.

Progression is what matters for Al Ahli’s Jaissle, Kessie

Sat, 18 Apr, 2026

Progression is what matters for Al Ahli’s Jaissle, Kessie

Jeddah: Matthias Jaissle and Franck Kessie were in agreement that progress to the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite Finals Jeddah 2026™ took precedence over the performance of Al Ahli Saudi FC in their quarter-final on Friday.

The 2-1 win against Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim was secured following a tough fight, with Ali Majrashi’s red card in the 37th minute putting Al Ahli on the back foot but the defending champions showed plenty of mettle as they came from behind to seal progress.