Desire is Japan’s strength, says Nagano

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Desire is Japan’s strength, says Nagano

Jeddah: Shuto Nagano knows the reason why Japan have been firing on all cylinders at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ - desire.

The defending champions, despite opting to rest many regulars, proved too good for Qatar as a 2-0 win on Tuesday saw them completing their Group B commitments with a perfect record of three victories.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-group-b-japan-2-0-qatar

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3149846

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3149848

Perfect Japan ready for q-finals

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Perfect Japan ready for q-finals

Jeddah: With a flawless group stage behind them, Japan’s focus is now on the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.

Head coach Go Oiwa’s side showed no signs of easing up as goals from Shusuke Furuya and Ryunosuke Sato sealed a 2-0 win against Qatar and the Group B top spot with a perfect nine points on Tuesday.

UAE’s Broli targets improvements after securing progress

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

UAE’s Broli targets improvements after securing progress

Jeddah: Marcelo Broli had mixed emotions after his United Arab Emirates side booked their passage into the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Tuesday.

The 1-1 draw enabled UAE to finish second behind Japan in Group B but the head coach admitted he was puzzled how his team did not end up as winners.

Khaydarov: Patience the key to Uzbekistan’s win

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Khaydarov: Patience the key to Uzbekistan’s win

Riyadh: Head coach Ravshan Khaydarov credited his players’ patience and perseverance for their 2-0 win over Korea Republic in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group C match on Tuesday.

The result secured the Central Asian side a place in the quarter-finals as they topped the group with seven points.

The 2018 champions came alive in the second half against Korea Republic, with goals from Behruzjon Karimov and substitute Saidumarkhon Saidnurullayev consigning their opponents to defeat.

Lebanon’s Taha overjoyed; IR Iran’s Ravankhah heartbroken

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Lebanon’s Taha overjoyed; IR Iran’s Ravankhah heartbroken

Riyadh:  Head coach Jamal Taha said Lebanon fully deserved their win against Islamic Republic of Iran in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™Group C tie on Tuesday.

The debutants overcame the Central Asian side 1-0 in a fast paced Group C match, with Leonardo Shahin’s spot-kick earning them three points following defeats to Uzbekistan and Korea Republic.

Al Azaizeh hails fans for inspiring Jordan

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Al Azaizeh hails fans for inspiring Jordan

Jeddah: Match-winner Ali Al Azaizeh applauded Jordan’s supporters after his third goal of the tournament propelled the West Asian side into the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Monday.

The midfielder’s first half header secured a 1-0 victory over Kyrgyz republic, with Azaizeh stressing that the result was the least the players could do for their country and fans.