Preview - Group B: UAE v Japan

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026

Preview - Group B: UAE v Japan

Jeddah: United Arab Emirates know they have to raise their game when they take on defending champions Japan in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group B tie on Saturday.

UAE overcame early jitters to defeat Qatar 2-0 in their opening game but head coach Marcelo Broli said his players have to do even better against the two-time champions. 

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-saudi-arabia-2026-|-match-day-2-preview

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.

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.

Tawhid dedicates UAE victory to mother

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Tawhid dedicates UAE victory to mother

Jeddah: United Arab Emirates owed their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ 2-0 win against Qatar on Wednesday to the heroics of goalkeeper Khaled Tawhid.

Barely a minute had elapsed when they conceded a penalty but Tawhid showed his ability to read Alhashmi Mohialdin’s effort to divert the ball away and set the tone for his side’s victory.

Record-setter Sato only focused on Japan

Thu, 08 Jan, 2026

Record-setter Sato only focused on Japan

Jeddah: Ryunosuke Sato showed he is a player to watch with a stunning performance for Japan in their 5-0 win over Syria in their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026™ Group B opener on Wednesday.

Besides netting a brace, Sato also provided two assists as Japan began their title defence in style with the midfielder showing the promise which saw him earning his first senior international cap in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26. 

#AWCL contenders to discover Knockout Stage showdowns

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026

#AWCL contenders to discover Knockout Stage showdowns

Kuala Lumpur: The Continent’s elite women’s clubs are set for the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) 2025/26™ Knockout Stage Draw, which will take place at 3pm on January 15 (Thursday) at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur.

Eight teams—the top two of each group and the two best third-placed sides overall—progressed from the Group Stage, which concluded last November, to take their place in the next round of the second edition of the landmark AWCL and will contest single-leg Quarter-finals on March 28 and 29, 2026.