Group D: Iraq 1-2 Australia

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Group D: Iraq 1-2 Australia

Riyadh: Australia came from behind to defeat Iraq 2-1 in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D tie on Wednesday.

Trailing to Ammori Faisal’s 63rd minute penalty, Australia hit back in added on time through Yaya Dukuly and Mathias Macallister to advance in stunning fashion, topping the group with six points and setting up a quarter-final encounter with Korea Republic on Saturday.

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Group D: Thailand 0-0 China PR

Wed, 14 Jan, 2026

Group D: Thailand 0-0 China PR

Riyadh: China PR booked a long awaited-spot in the quarter-finals after playing out a goalless draw with Thailand in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D tie on Wednesday.

The East Asian side closed with five points to finish second behind Australia and advance for the first time in six appearances, with Group C winners Uzbekistan their opponents on Saturday.

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.

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.

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.