Resolute Vietnam make Kim proud

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Resolute Vietnam make Kim proud

Jeddah: Kim Sang-sik felt immense pride after Vietnam battled to a 1-0 win against Saudi Arabia to top Group A and advance to the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Monday.

Unlike the matches against Jordan and Kyrgyz Republic where Vietnam produced exciting attacking displays, it was more of a backs-to-the-wall kind of performance against Saudi Arabia with Kim not surprised with how the match turned out.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-group-a-saudi-arabia-0-1-vietnam

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Match-winner Dinh Bac dedicates goal to Vietnam squad

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Match-winner Dinh Bac dedicates goal to Vietnam squad

Jeddah: Nguyen Dinh Bac couldn’t have asked for more after he came off the bench to grab the winner for Vietnam in the 1-0 victory against Saudi Arabia in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group A tie on Monday.

The result not only meant a perfect group stage record for Vietnam but also sealed a third consecutive quarter-final appearance, with Dinh Bac paying tribute to his teammates for the resilient performance against a dominant Saudi Arabia.

Al Azaizeh hails fans for inspiring Jordan

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Al Azaizeh hails fans for inspiring Jordan

Jeddah: Match-winner Ali Al Azaizeh applauded Jordan’s supporters after his third goal of the tournament propelled the West Asian side into the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Monday.

The midfielder’s first half header secured a 1-0 victory over Kyrgyz republic, with Azaizeh stressing that the result was the least the players could do for their country and fans.

Najhi: Jordan’s focus got the job done

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026

Najhi: Jordan’s focus got the job done

Jeddah: Jordan head coach Omar Najhi hailed his players’ laser sharp focus after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kyrgyz Republic secured their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Monday.

Ali Azaizeh’s first-half header proved decisive as Jordan finished the group stage on six points, booking a last-eight meeting with defending champions Japan. 

Europe Wrap: Mitoma hitting the heights; Hubner’s day to remember

Mon, 12 Jan, 2026

Europe Wrap: Mitoma hitting the heights; Hubner’s day to remember

Kuala Lumpur: Kaoru Mitoma scored for the first time since returning from injury as Brighton held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw in the English Premier League.

Indonesia international Justin Hubner scored his first goal in professional football and his first Eredivise goal for Fortuna Sittard, ensuring the 22-year-old won’t forget January 11, 2026 in a hurry.

Other Asian stars added to their goal and assist tally across major European leagues, so follow the-AFC.com as we look at what Asia’s finest have been up to in Europe.