Draw a good start for Iraq’s Mohammed, China PR’s Puche

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026

Draw a good start for Iraq’s Mohammed, China PR’s Puche

Riyadh:  Iraq head coach Emad Mohammed and China PR’s Antonio Puche were satisfied despite the goalless stalemate in their opening AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D match on Thursday. 

Both teams had opportunities to break the stalemate but some fine goalkeeping from China PR custodian Li Hao and squandered efforts by his teammates and the opposing strikeforce saw the sides leave the pitch with a share of the points.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-group-d-iraq-0-0-china-pr

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Vidmar relieved after Australia pass stiff Thailand test

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026

Vidmar relieved after Australia pass stiff Thailand test

Riyadh: Australia head coach Tony Vidmar gave credit to Thailand after his team’s 2-1 win in their opening AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D clash on Thursday. 

The Southeast Asian side held their own from the 12th minute after defender Phon-Ek Maneekorn was given his marching orders, producing a valiant performance to limit a dominant Australia to two goals.

Group D: Iraq 0-0 China PR

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026

Group D: Iraq 0-0 China PR

Riyadh: Iraq and China PR battled to a 0-0 draw in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D opener on Thursday.

The stalemate leaves the teams two points behind Australia, who kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win against Thailand in the earlier match.

Group D: Australia 2-1 Thailand

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026

Group D: Australia 2-1 Thailand

Riyadh: Australia came from behind to beat 10-man Thailand 2-1 in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D clash on Thursday.

Sittha Boonlha's shot deflected off Nathan Paull to give Thailand the lead but it was cancelled out by Ethan Elagich and Mathias Macallister to ensure Tony Vidmar’s men kicked off their campaign with maximum points.

Preview - Group A: Jordan v Saudi Arabia

Sun, 11 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group A: Jordan v Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: Head coach Omar Najhi expects a tough test when Jordan meet Saudi Arabia in their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026™ Group A tie on Friday.

Jordan, however, will have no choice but to pass the test after having suffered a 2-0 defeat to Vietnam in their opening tie.

Preview - Group A: Kyrgyz Republic v Vietnam

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group A: Kyrgyz Republic v Vietnam

Jeddah: Vietnam are not thinking beyond achieving victory when they face Kyrgyz Republic in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Friday.

Kim Sang-sik guided his team to an excellent 2-0 triumph against Jordan in their opening Group A tie on Tuesday, knowing fully well that another three points could secure their place in the quarter-finals should Saudi Arabia also win against Jordan.