Han proud of DPR Korea despite defeat

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

Han proud of DPR Korea despite defeat

Lodz: Han Chol Hak applauded his DPR Korea players despite their heart-breaking defeat to Spain in the final of the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Poland 2026 on Sunday.

The East Asian nation's bid for an unprecedented fourth title and the first to win back-to-back crowns was ended by a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat after the decider had ended goalless after 120 minutes.

Han said he could not fault his players' efforts against a resilient Spanish side.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/3194462

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DPR Korea suffer penalty heartbreak in final

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

DPR Korea suffer penalty heartbreak in final

Lodz: Goalkeeper Laia Lopez made two crucial saves in a shootout to help Spain clinch the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 title after defeating holders DPR Korea 4-3 on penalties on Sunday.

Spain and defending champions DPR Korea could not be separated in a tightly-contested decider. The game went to penalties, where Lopez saved efforts from Choe Yon A and finally Pak Il Sim as La Rojita claimed their second U-20 showpiece title following their triumph at Costa Rica 2022.

It is also the second global title in succession for Spain, whose senior men's team won the FIFA World Cup 2026 in July.

Sri Lanka cruise; Jordan, Syria share spoils

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

Sri Lanka cruise; Jordan, Syria share spoils

Kuala Lumpur: Sri Lanka scored an impressive 3-0 victory over Seychelles while Jordan and Syria settled for a 1-1 draw in international friendly action on Sunday.

China PR, meanwhile, suffered a 3-0 defeat against New Zealand in Chongqing.

Group B: Qatar, UAE book last four tickets

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

Group B: Qatar, UAE book last four tickets

Jeddah: Qatar and the United Arab Emirates confirmed their spots in the Gulf Cup 2026 semi-finals after securing their second straight victories in Group B on Sunday.

Qatar defeated Yemen 1-0 while UAE were 3-0 winners against Bahrain with both on six points and meet on Wednesday to decide who tops the group.

Group A: Saudi Arabia sizzle; Iraq snatch late winner

Sun, 27 Sep, 2026

Group A: Saudi Arabia sizzle; Iraq snatch late winner

Jeddah: Feras Al Brikan starred with a brace as Saudi Arabia maintained their perfect start to their Gulf Cup 2026 Group A campaign with an emphatic 3-0 win over Oman on Saturday.

Iraq, meanwhile, needed a stoppage-time winner to overcome Kuwait and take their tally to four points.

Div 2: Hong Kong, China, Cambodia impress

Mon, 28 Sep, 2026

Div 2: Hong Kong, China, Cambodia impress

Hong Kong: Hong Kong, China got their FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Division 2 Group A campaign off to an emphatic start with a 4-0 win over Laos on Sunday.

A late Sin Kakada stunner ensured Cambodia also began their campaign on a winning note, edging Myanmar 1-0 in Group B.