Q-final: China PR edge Uzbekistan on penalties to create history

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

Q-final: China PR edge Uzbekistan on penalties to create history

Jeddah: China PR defeated Uzbekistan 4-2 on penalties to advance to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-finals, with their last eight tie ending in a goalless draw after extra time at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Li Hao starred for China PR in the match and subsequent shoot-out, saving Dilshod Abdullaev’s spot-kick as his side set up a semi-final meeting with Vietnam on Tuesday, their first appearance at that stage.

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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. 

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.

#AFCU23 - Vote for your favourite Group Stage goal

Fri, 16 Jan, 2026

#AFCU23 - Vote for your favourite Group Stage goal

Jeddah: The group stage of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ didn't disappoint with a fine serving of goals.

Fans were treated to long range screamers, team goals and tap ins as the continent's rising talent produced their best.

The-AFC.com invites you - the fans - to vote for the goal which you think was the best in the group stage.