Araki credits team effort for Japan’s shoot-out triumph

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Araki credits team effort for Japan’s shoot-out triumph

Jeddah: Rui Araki refused to accept the plaudits despite his penalty shoot-out saves taking Japan into the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Friday.

The custodian - who was beaten for the first time in the tournament when Jordan took the lead through Ali Azaizeh - showed great confidence and agility in the shoot-out to stop the West Asian side’s first and fourth spot-kicks as Japan triumphed 4-2. 

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Relieved Oiwa praises Japan’s resilience

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Relieved Oiwa praises Japan’s resilience

Jeddah: Go Oiwa lauded his players after his second half tweaks paved the way for Japan to sneak past Jordan into the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-finals on Friday.

Jordan took the lead 30 minutes into the match and in doing so, became the first side to score against the defending champions at Saudi Arabia 2026 but Oiwa’s decision to send on Shusuke Furuya at the start of the second half paid off handsomely, with the midfielder equalising four minutes after coming on.

The two-time champions failed to find a winner at the end of 120 minutes but prevailed 4-2 in the shoot-out to set up a semi-final against either Australia or Korea Republic on Tuesday. 

The future is bright for Jordan, says Najhi

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

The future is bright for Jordan, says Najhi

Jeddah: Jordan head coach Omar Najhi admitted that fine margins proved decisive following his side’s quarter-final exit from the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Friday.

Despite that, Najhi praised his players for their fighting spirit and maturity in the hard-fought contest which ended 1-1 after extra-time, with defending champions Japan winning the penalty shoot-out 4-2.

Kim: Fitness was Vietnam’s strength

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Kim: Fitness was Vietnam’s strength

Jeddah:  Kim Sang-sik highlighted fitness as the major reason for Vietnam’s ability to overcome a spirited United Arab Emirates and reach the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Friday.

UAE fought back twice to draw level and force the quarter-final into extra time but Kim’s instruction to his players to keep pushing in the additional 30 minutes paid off handsomely with Pham Minh Phuc netting the winner as the Korea Republic tactician emulated compatriot Park Hang-seo in steering Vietnam into the semi-finals. 

Broli calls for continued UAE exposure

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Broli calls for continued UAE exposure

Jeddah: Marcelo Broli was proud of his United Arab Emirates side's performance despite their 3-2 extra time defeat to Vietnam in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ quarter-finals on Friday.

While disappointed to have exited the competition, Broli applauded the fighting spirit of his players as they twice fought back to draw level before succumbing in extra time.

#AFCU23 - Vote for your favourite Group Stage goal

Fri, 16 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23 - Vote for your favourite Group Stage goal

Jeddah: The group stage of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ didn't disappoint with a fine serving of goals.

Fans were treated to long range screamers, team goals and tap ins as the continent's rising talent produced their best.

The-AFC.com invites you - the fans - to vote for the goal which you think was the best in the group stage.