Sat, 24 Jan, 2026

Vietnam’s determination, resilience make Kim proud

Jeddah: Vietnam head coach Kim Sang-sik lauded his team’s spirited performance after the Southeast Asian side edged Korea Republic on penalties to finish third in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Friday.

Despite being reduced to 10 men following captain Nguyen Dinh Bac’s red card, Vietnam held out for a 2-2 draw before winning the penalty shootout 7-6, with goalkeeper Cao Van Bình denying Bae Hyun-seo’s spot-kick to ensure his side finished on a high note following their semi-final disappointment.

Lee vows Korea Republic improvement after shootout defeat

Sat, 24 Jan, 2026

Lee vows Korea Republic improvement after shootout defeat

Jeddah: Korea Republic head coach Lee Min-sung accepted responsibility for his side’s penalty shootout defeat to Vietnam, admitting his players still have work to do after settling for fourth place at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Friday.

The 2020 champions were edged 7-6 on penalties following a pulsating contest that ended 2-2 after extra time, with goalkeeper Cao Van Binh saving the decisive spot-kick to seal Vietnam third place.

Vietnam edge Korea Republic on penalties to finish third

Sat, 24 Jan, 2026

Vietnam edge Korea Republic on penalties to finish third

Jeddah: Vietnam defeated Korea Republic 7-6 on penalties to secure third place in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on Friday.

In a thrilling tie which ended 2-2 after extra time, Nguyen Quoc Viet’s opener was cancelled out by Kim Tae-won with Nguyen Dinh Bac then restoring the Southeast Asian side’s lead.

The Vietnam captain was, however, sent off late in the game, with Korea Republic equalising through Shin Min-ha deep into added on time to force an additional 30 minutes and the penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Cao Van Bình saving the seventh spot-kick to secure third place for his side.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/photo/3rd-place-playoff-vietnam-v-korea-republic

Preview - Final: China PR v Japan

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026

Preview - Final: China PR v Japan

Jeddah: The AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final between China PR and Japan promises to be a battle of tactical wits at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium on Saturday.

Antonio Puche’s China PR’s run to a final was based on defensive solidity while Japan have been impressive in all departments, with Go Oiwa’s side aiming to defend their title and lift the trophy for a record-extending third time.

Umeki: Japan will fight till the end

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026

Umeki: Japan will fight till the end

Jeddah: Japan, Rei Umeki has stressed, are ready for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ final against China PR on Saturday.

Japan enter the match with an unbeaten record, having demonstrated consistency and resilience under pressure that has made them frontrunners for the title.

We have to believe in ourselves, says China PR’s Hu

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026

We have to believe in ourselves, says China PR’s Hu

Jeddah: Hu Hetao knows China PR face a huge challenge but it is one they are looking forward to when they meet Japan in the final of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ on Saturday.

History is what Hu and his teammates will be bidding to make with China PR having never lifted the trophy.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/video/afcu23-saudi-arabia-2026-|-preview-final

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u23_asian_cup.html/photo/afcu23-the-trophy

Know The Coach - Go Oiwa (Japan)

Thu, 22 Jan, 2026

Know The Coach - Go Oiwa (Japan)

Doha: Go Oiwa will add another milestone to his football career if he steers Japan to the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ title on Saturday.

The experienced tactician is in charge of Japan for the third consecutive edition and will become the first coach to win the title twice if his side see off the challenge of China PR.

Know the Coach - Antonio Puche (China PR)

Thu, 22 Jan, 2026

Know the Coach - Antonio Puche (China PR)

Jeddah: Antonio Puche is one match away from completing a perfect AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026™ campaign, with his China PR side ready to take on defending champions Japan in the final on Saturday.

The Spaniard has overseen a remarkable journey to the final with China PR having not conceded a single goal – a statistic that underlines the collective discipline Puche has instilled in his squad.