Li proud to have played his part for China PR

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Li proud to have played his part for China PR

Jeddah:  Li Hao produced another eye-catching performance as China PR reached the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™with a penalty shoot-out success against Uzbekistan on Saturday.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper kept a fourth successive clean sheet as China PR added another chapter to their AFC U23 Asian Cup history, having never advanced past the group stage in their previous five appearances.

They had Li to thank as the custodian pulled off numerous saves to keep the marauding Uzbekistan at bay, and repeated his heroics in the penalty shoot-out which his side won 4-2.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-quarter-finals-uzbekistan-0-2-4-0-china-pr

www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3150821

Puche: An emotional day for history-makers China PR

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Puche: An emotional day for history-makers China PR

Jeddah: A thrilled Antonio Puche described China PR’s progress to the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ as highly emotional, with the East Asian side edging Uzbekistan 4-2 on penalties on Saturday.

Puche’s side held the Central Asian side to a goalless draw over 120 minutes in their last eight tie, and completed the job in the shoot-out with goalkeeper Li Hao again proving to be their hero as China PR advanced to the semi-finals for the first time, with Vietnam their opponents on Tuesday.

We paid the price for not taking our chances, says Uzbekistan’s Khaydarov

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

We paid the price for not taking our chances, says Uzbekistan’s Khaydarov

Jeddah: Ravshan Khaydarov did not hide his frustration after Uzbekistan were eliminated by China PR from the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Saturday.

The Central Asian side dominated the last eight tie with over 70 percent possession and 28 attempts but failed to find the back of the net, with China PR winning the penalty shoot-out 4-2 after the tie ended 0-0.

Korea Republic’s will to win delights Lee

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Korea Republic’s will to win delights Lee

Jeddah:  Head coach Lee Min-sung was all smiles after Korea Republic booked their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final spot with victory against Australia on Saturday.

The 2020 champions took the lead in the first half through Baek Ga-on, with Luka Jovanovic equalising. Korea Republic, however, continued to press and were rewarded with Shin Min-ha’s 89th minute winner as they sealed a return to the semi-finals after missing out in the previous two editions. 

Baek expects a more potent Korea Republic against Japan

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Baek expects a more potent Korea Republic against Japan

Jeddah:  Baek Ga-on wants Korea Republic to be sharper when they meet Japan in the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Tuesday.

The forward produced a moment of magic to score the opening goal in the East Asian side’s 2-1 win against Australia in Saturday’s quarter-final, with Shin Min-ha netting the winner in the 89th minute after Australia had drawn level. 

Vidmar positive despite Australia’s exit

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Vidmar positive despite Australia’s exit

Jeddah: Tony Vidmar admitted Australia were heartbroken after their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat to Korea Republic in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Australia reversed a first half deficit through Luka Jovanovic, had chances to go ahead after that but ended up losing after Shin Min-ha struck an 89th minute winner for the East Asian side.