Olaroiu named new UAE coach

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025

Olaroiu named new UAE coach

Abu Dhabi: Cosmin Olaroiu has been named the new head coach of the United Arab Emirates, the country’s football federation announced on Saturday.

The 55-year-old replaces Paulo Bento after the Portuguese coach was removed following last month’s matches in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26.

Final - Preview: Uzbekistan v Saudi Arabia

Sun, 20 Apr, 2025

Final - Preview: Uzbekistan v Saudi Arabia

Taif: A confident Uzbekistan will be fearless when they face Saudi Arabia in the final of the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 on Sunday.

Head coach Islombek Ismoilov has guided his team through an impressive run, winning all five matches en route to the final and with his players fit and firing, will look to cap off the campaign with another victory.

The two sides met in the group stage, with Uzbekistan winning 3-0, but Ismoilov is unwilling to put too much weight on that ahead of their second meeting at King Fahd Sports City Stadium.

Fearless Sodikov ready to deliver for Uzbekistan

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025

Fearless Sodikov ready to deliver for Uzbekistan

Taif: Uzbekistan are one win away from glory and Sayfiddin Sodikov believes he is ready to guide his team to the finishing line when they face Saudi Arabia in the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ 2025 final on Sunday.

Sodikov has been a steady presence in Uzbekistan’s midfield, balancing defensive discipline with attacking intent. 

Al Dosari primed to be Saudi Arabia’s lucky charm

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025

Al Dosari primed to be Saudi Arabia’s lucky charm

Taif: Defender Yazeed Al Dosari could just be the x-factor for Saudi Arabia when they take on Uzbekistan in the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 final on Sunday.

Al Dosari has been an ever-present in Saudi Arabia’s magnificent run to the final, missing only the 3-0 defeat to Uzbekistan in their Group A tie.

Know Your Coach - Islombek Ismoilov (Uzbekistan)

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025

Know Your Coach - Islombek Ismoilov (Uzbekistan)

Taif: Islombek Ismoilov has the dream job of keeping a supremely talented squad happy as his red-hot Uzbekistan side looks to add the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 title to their 2012 win.

Uzbekistan have been simply irresistible, winning all their matches in regulation time - scoring 15 goals - and head coach Ismoilov have the tough task of ensuring everyone gets their time on the pitch.

Know Your Coach - Mario da Silva (Saudi Arabia)

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025

Know Your Coach - Mario da Silva (Saudi Arabia)

Taif: Mario da Silva’s pragmatic approach has been one of the key drivers for Saudi Arabia at the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 as the two-time champions remain in the hunt for their first title since 1988.

The Brazilian has navigated his team past former champions Japan and Korea Republic in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, displaying adaptability that has brought success.

#AFCU17 - Road to Final: Uzbekistan

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025

#AFCU17 - Road to Final: Uzbekistan

Taif:  Uzbekistan’s finest have marched through the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 with purpose and precision.

From day one, Uzbekistan have looked like title contenders and now they stand just one win away from being crowned kings of Asia once again.

The-AFC.com retraces the young White Wolves' journey so far.

#AFCU17 - Road to Final: Saudi Arabia

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025

#AFCU17 - Road to Final: Saudi Arabia

Taif: Backed by passionate home support, Saudi Arabia have made it to the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ final with sheer determination and nerves of steel. 

Two back-to-back penalty shootout wins speak volumes of the character of the hosts' squad.

#ACLElite - Mahrez tops best goal of R16 (West)

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025

#ACLElite - Mahrez tops best goal of R16 (West)

Kuala Lumpur: Riyad Mahrez’s stunning strike against Qatar’s Al Rayyan SC has been voted as the best goal of the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 (West) Round of 16.

Mahrez showed grace and composure inside a packed Al Rayyan box to open Al Ahli Saudi’s account before the midfield maestro doubled his tally to seal the win.

Know Your Teams: Al Sadd SC (QAT)

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025

Know Your Teams: Al Sadd SC (QAT)

Kuala Lumpur: Al Sadd SC will be on a mission to end a long wait in the AFC Champions League Elite™ 2024/25 Finals.

The Qatari side will face Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in what promises to be a titanic quarter-final at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium.