Buoyant Sarraf expects more good things from Syria

Sun, 11 Jan, 2026

Buoyant Sarraf expects more good things from Syria

Jeddah: Goalkeeper Maksim Sarraf is hopeful that the clean sheet achieved in Syria’s win against Qatar is a sign of good things to come for the team in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™.

If Syria’s confidence took a knock following their 5-0 defeat to Japan in their opening Group B tie, Saturday’s 1-0 victory reinstalled confidence as Sarraf and teammates showed they are not out of the running just yet.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-group-b-syria-1-0-qatar

Syria’s strong character makes Al Hussien proud

Sun, 11 Jan, 2026

Syria’s strong character makes Al Hussien proud

Jeddah: Jehad Al Hussien applauded his players after Syria bounced back into contention in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Qatar in their Group B tie on Saturday.

Head coach Al Hussien said the victory - achieved through Mahmoud Alaswad’s 85th minute penalty -  showed the character of his players as they not only overcame a heavy defeat against Japan in their opener but also injuries to key players.

Oiwa confident Japan can go the distance

Sun, 11 Jan, 2026

Oiwa confident Japan can go the distance

Jeddah: Go Oiwa is determined to maintain Japan’s dominance following their 3-0 win over the United Arab Emirates in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group B tie on Saturday, with the victory sealing the East Asian side’s knockout stage spot. 

Japan led from start to finish, with Brian Nwadik, Yuto Ozeki and Shusuke Furuya finding the net, making Oiwa optimistic that his team are more than capable of defending their title.

Japan’s Ozeki showcases his talent again

Sun, 11 Jan, 2026

Japan’s Ozeki showcases his talent again

Jeddah: Yuto Ozeki continued his rise as one of Japan’s most promising talents with a spectacular display in the 3-0 win over the United Arab Emirates in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group B tie on Saturday.

A standout performance at the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025™ was followed by an instrumental display in Kawasaki Frontale’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Al Nassr Club in the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025, which showed there is nothing Ozeki can’t do. 

Against UAE on Saturday, Ozeki was at the heart of Japan’s attacking play - scoring with a brilliant long-range strike to double Japan’s advantage following Brian Nwadik’s penalty. 

Uzbekistan’s Khaydarov satisfied, mixed feelings for IR Iran’s Ravankhah

Sun, 11 Jan, 2026

Uzbekistan’s Khaydarov satisfied, mixed feelings for IR Iran’s Ravankhah

Riyadh: Head coach Ravshan Khaydarov was happy that his Uzbekistan side were able to stand their own in an intense AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group C encounter with Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday.

The goalless result favoured Uzbekistan - having defeated Lebanon 3-2 in their opening match - and set up a clash with leaders Korea Republic on Tuesday with both teams on four points.

Korea Republic fightback elates Lee

Sun, 11 Jan, 2026

Korea Republic fightback elates Lee

Riyadh: Korea Republic head coach Lee Min-sung was all smiles after his side went into overdrive to beat Lebanon 4-2 in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group C tie on Saturday.

The 2020 champions largely dominated the match but fell behind in the 13th and 48th minutes. They composed themselves to draw level in the 20th and again in the 56th before taking the lead in the 71st and putting the match beyond Lebanon’s reach five minutes later.

The win, with goals from four different players, boosted their chances of making the knockout stage following their goalless stalemate with Islamic Republic of Iran in their Wednesday opener and avoiding defeat against Uzbekistan on Tuesday will seal progression.