Relieved Oiwa praises Japan’s resilience

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Relieved Oiwa praises Japan’s resilience

Jeddah: Go Oiwa lauded his players after his second half tweaks paved the way for Japan to sneak past Jordan into the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-finals on Friday.

Jordan took the lead 30 minutes into the match and in doing so, became the first side to score against the defending champions at Saudi Arabia 2026 but Oiwa’s decision to send on Shusuke Furuya at the start of the second half paid off handsomely, with the midfielder equalising four minutes after coming on.

The two-time champions failed to find a winner at the end of 120 minutes but prevailed 4-2 in the shoot-out to set up a semi-final against either Australia or Korea Republic on Tuesday. 

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-quarter-finals-japan-1-4-2-1-jordan

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The future is bright for Jordan, says Najhi

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

The future is bright for Jordan, says Najhi

Jeddah: Jordan head coach Omar Najhi admitted that fine margins proved decisive following his side’s quarter-final exit from the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Friday.

Despite that, Najhi praised his players for their fighting spirit and maturity in the hard-fought contest which ended 1-1 after extra-time, with defending champions Japan winning the penalty shoot-out 4-2.

Kim: Fitness was Vietnam’s strength

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Kim: Fitness was Vietnam’s strength

Jeddah:  Kim Sang-sik highlighted fitness as the major reason for Vietnam’s ability to overcome a spirited United Arab Emirates and reach the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Friday.

UAE fought back twice to draw level and force the quarter-final into extra time but Kim’s instruction to his players to keep pushing in the additional 30 minutes paid off handsomely with Pham Minh Phuc netting the winner as the Korea Republic tactician emulated compatriot Park Hang-seo in steering Vietnam into the semi-finals. 

Preview - Q-final: Uzbekistan v China PR

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Preview - Q-final: Uzbekistan v China PR

Jeddah: Uzbekistan and China PR will both be aiming for the stars when they square off in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ quarter-finals on Saturday.

Uzbekistan head coach Ravshan Khaydarov is targeting the title while his China PR counterpart Antonio Puche expects his team to create more history after advancing to the knockout stage for the first time.

Khaydarov guided Uzbekistan to a first place finish in Group C while China PR finished second in Group D. 

Preview - Q-final: Australia v Korea Republic

Sat, 17 Jan, 2026

Preview - Q-final: Australia v Korea Republic

Jeddah: Confidence will not be an issue for either side when Australia and Korea Republic square off in the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Saturday.

Both endured mixed fortunes in the group stage with Antony Vidmar’s side staging a stunning fightback to defeat Iraq 2-1 in Group D while Korea Republic advanced as the Group  D runners-up after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Uzbekistan.

#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.