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.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-|-group-d-australia-2-1-thailand

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https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3148308

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.

Group D: Australia 2-1 Thailand

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026

Group D: Australia 2-1 Thailand

Riyadh: Australia came from behind to beat 10-man Thailand 2-1 in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D clash on Thursday.

Sittha Boonlha's shot deflected off Nathan Paull to give Thailand the lead but it was cancelled out by Ethan Elagich and Mathias Macallister to ensure Tony Vidmar’s men kicked off their campaign with maximum points.

Group D: Iraq 0-0 China PR

Fri, 09 Jan, 2026

Group D: Iraq 0-0 China PR

Riyadh: Iraq and China PR battled to a 0-0 draw in their AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ Group D opener on Thursday.

The stalemate leaves the teams two points behind Australia, who kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win against Thailand in the earlier match.

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.