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.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-group-c-korea-republic-0-0-ir-iran

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Group C: Korea Republic 0-0 IR Iran

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Group C: Korea Republic 0-0 IR Iran

Riyadh: Korea Republic and Islamic Republic of Iran settled for a goalless draw in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ opening Group C match on Wednesday.

Both sides will need to pick up their game if 2020 champions Korea Republic are to overcome debutants Lebanon on Saturday while IR Iran will have their hands full against 2018 winners Uzbekistan.

Group C: Uzbekistan 3-2 Lebanon

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Group C: Uzbekistan 3-2 Lebanon

Riyadh: Uzbekistan staved off a late fightback to defeat debutants Lebanon 3-2 in their opening AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group C tie on Wednesday.

Ravshan Khaydarov’s side were electric for the first 60 minutes at the Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Stadium but then allowed Lebanon to pull two back. The win, however, meant the 2018 champions lead the group by two points after Korea Republic and Islamic Republic of Iran drew 0-0 earlier in the day.

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.

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.

Al Ghamdi thrilled to have delivered for Saudi Arabia

Wed, 07 Jan, 2026

Al Ghamdi thrilled to have delivered for Saudi Arabia

Jeddah: Rakan Al Ghamdi is making a habit of stealing the limelight as the forward scripted another match-winning performance for Saudi Arabia against Kyrgyz Republic in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group A tie on Tuesday.

The forward delivered another clutch moment, coming to Saudi Arabia’s rescue with a scintillating strike in the 88th minute to seal the win at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium.

Tournament newcomers Kyrgyz Republic frustrated Saudi Arabia throughout the match with keeper Kurmanbek Nurlanbekov in scintillating form, with a superb save to deny Musab Al Juwayr from the penalty spot in the 77th minute among his many contributions.