Vietnam’s Tran, China PR’s Liu relishing showdown

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

Vietnam’s Tran, China PR’s Liu relishing showdown

Jeddah: Vietnam’s Tran Trung Kien and China PR’s Liu Hoafan have promised their respective sides will spare no effort when the teams meet in the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Tuesday.

While Vietnam are seeking to go all the way after finishing runners-up in 2018, China PR are featuring in the semi-finals for the first time but will have the psychological advantage of not having lost to their Southeast Asian opponents in three previous meetings. 

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Preview - S-final: Vietnam v China PR

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

Preview - S-final: Vietnam v China PR

Jeddah: Vietnam and China PR will lock horns in what promises to be a tightly contested AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-final on Tuesday.

Both sides advanced to the penultimate stage in contrasting ways - Vietnam impressing with four wins while China PR had to battle every step of the way to reach the semi-finals for the first time.

Preview - S-final: Japan v Korea Republic

Tue, 20 Jan, 2026

Preview - S-final: Japan v Korea Republic

Jeddah:  Both teams are braced for a highly tactical battle when Japan meet Korea Republic in the semi-finals of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Tuesday.

It will be a meeting between familiar foes, with Japan aiming to emerge champions for a record-extending third time while Korea Republic want to add to their 2020 title. 

Traditional rivalry fuels Japan’s Sato, Korea Republic’s Lee

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

Traditional rivalry fuels Japan’s Sato, Korea Republic’s Lee

Jeddah: Ryunosuke Sato and Lee Hyun-yong have promised a battle till the end when Japan and Korea Republic square off in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ semi-finals on Tuesday.

Traditional rivals, the sides have met three times previously in the competition - most notably the 2016 final where Korea Republic led 2-0 before Japan came back to win 3-2.

West Asia Wrap: Al Hilal, Al Gharafa firmly in charge

Sun, 18 Jan, 2026

West Asia Wrap: Al Hilal, Al Gharafa firmly in charge

Doha: Al Hilal SFC widened their lead at the top of the Saudi Pro League with two crucial wins the past week while Al Gharafa SC showed no signs of slowing down in Qatar.

Al Ain suffered a setback in the UAE Pro League while there were also matches in Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman and Syria.

Join the-AFC.com as we review the past week's domestic action across West Asia.

ASEAN Wrap: Buriram blitz; Perfect Sailors

Mon, 19 Jan, 2026

ASEAN Wrap: Buriram blitz; Perfect Sailors

Kuala Lumpur: A packed week across ASEAN football delivered goals, drama and big statements at both ends of the table, with several title contenders showing their quality when it mattered most.

In Thailand, Buriram United produced the performance of the round with an eight-goal blitz to remain comfortably clear at the summit, while Singapore’s Lion City Sailors FC maintained their flawless start to keep full control of the early pace in the Premier League.

Elsewhere, the pressure stayed high across multiple races as Kaya FC–Iloilo continued to track the Philippines’ leaders step for step, and Preah Khan Rach Svay Rieng FC edged a five-goal thriller in Cambodia to preserve their narrow advantage at the top.

There were also matches in Australia, Malaysia and Myanmar so join the-AFC.com in our weekly wrap of club football across ASEAN.