Five-star Japan make Oiwa proud

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Five-star Japan make Oiwa proud

Jeddah: Head coach Go Oiwa hailed a polished team performance as defending champions Japan sent an early warning to their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ rivals on Wednesday.

Japan adopted a patient approach early in their Group B opener against Syria before upping their tempo to cruise to a 5-0 win, much to Oiwa’s delight. 

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-group-b-japan-5-0-syria

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3147922

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3147924

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3147926

Group B: Japan 5-0 Syria

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Group B: Japan 5-0 Syria

Jeddah: Ryunosuke Sato’s brace powered defending champions Japan to a 5-0 win over Syria in their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026™ Group B opener on Wednesday.

Japan led from start to finish with Yuto Ozeki opening their account in the first half, Sato pitching in with a superb double with Sena Ishibashi and Yutaka Michiwaki completing the emphatic win.

Group B: Qatar 0-2 UAE

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Group B: Qatar 0-2 UAE

Jeddah: United Arab Emirates emerged 2-0 winners against Qatar to get their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ campaign off to a fine start on Wednesday. 

The result means UAE join Japan as the early pacesetters in Group B with the latter having beaten Syria 5-0 in an earlier match.

Mixed feelings for Korea Republic’s Lee, IR Iran’s Ravankhah

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Mixed feelings for Korea Republic’s Lee, IR Iran’s Ravankhah

Riyadh:  Korea Republic head coach Lee Min-sung and his Islamic Republic of Iran counterpart Omid Ravankhah were pleased yet disappointed after their sides drew 0-0 in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group C opener on Wednesday.

Both teams struggled to find a way through, managing just one shot on target each as Uzbekistan took charge of the group after their 3-2 win against Lebanon.

Preview - Group D: Iraq v China PR

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group D: Iraq v China PR

Riyadh: Iraq head coach Emad Mohammed believes his team will be among the contenders at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ despite facing pre-tournament difficulties.

The 2013 champions, who take on China PR in their Group D opener on Thursday, arrived late for the showpiece due to the club commitments of their players.

Preview - Group D: Australia v Thailand

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group D: Australia v Thailand

Riyadh: Tony Vidmar has challenged his Australia side to live up to their billing when they take on Thailand in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D opener on Thursday.

Despite a short period for preparation, the tactician is optimistic that Australia can make a winning start in the competition against Thailand who he acknowledged would be tough opponents.