Saudi Arabia defeat Uzbekistan to lift long awaited title

Mon, 20 Jun, 2022

Saudi Arabia defeat Uzbekistan to lift long awaited title

Tashkent: Saudi Arabia were crowned the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022 champions after beating Uzbekistan 2-0 in the final on Sunday. 

The young Green Falcons turned on the power in the second half with Ahmed Alghamdi and Firas Albrikan finding the back of the net as Saudi Arabia lifted the title for the first time after having finished runners-up in 2013 and 2020.

Amazingly, the 2022 title was won with Saudi Arabia not conceding a single goal in six matches. 

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Yahya lands MVP honour

Mon, 20 Jun, 2022

Yahya lands MVP honour

Tashkent: Saudi Arabia's Ayman Yahya was named the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022 Most Valuable Player on Sunday.

The forward not only scored three goals but his overall performance throughout the tournament played a major role in Saudi Arabia winning the title for the first time.

Korea Republic's Cho wins Yili Top Scorer award

Mon, 20 Jun, 2022

Korea Republic's Cho wins Yili Top Scorer award

Tashkent: Korea Republic striker Cho Young-wook won the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022 Yili Top Scorer award on Sunday.

Cho scored three goals and had one assist for Korea Republic, with the defending champions' campaign having been ended by Japan in the quarter-finals. 

Saudi Arabia's Nawaf Alaqidi named Best Goalkeeper

Sun, 19 Jun, 2022

Saudi Arabia's Nawaf Alaqidi named Best Goalkeeper

Tashkent: Nawaf Alaqidi's safe hands saw him named the Best Goalkeeper of the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022 on Sunday.

The goalkeeper played a major part in Saudi Arabia winning the title for the first time as he kept an amazing six clean sheets in the continental showpiece.

Japan’s Oiwa promises players will continue to develop

Sun, 19 Jun, 2022

Japan’s Oiwa promises players will continue to develop

Tashkent: Japan finished third in the AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022, and despite it not being the ending head coach Go Oiwa had targeted, the tactician was optimistic his players had learnt valuable lessons.  

The young Samurai Blue were back at their best in the third-place playoff match against Australia, with Kein Sato opening the scoring as early as the seventh minute, before a Kai Trewin own goal doubled their lead in the 39th minute, with Shota Fujio then sealing the win with his second half strike at the Pakhtakor Stadium on Saturday. 

Valuable lessons learnt, says Australia’s Morgan

Sun, 19 Jun, 2022

Valuable lessons learnt, says Australia’s Morgan

Tashkent: Head coach Trevor Morgan believes Australia learnt valuable lessons after their AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022 campaign ended on Saturday. 

Australia missed out on a third place finish after losing 3-0 to Japan in the playoff, but Morgan hopes his players continue working hard when they return to their clubs. 

Matsuoka vows to continue working hard after missing out on glory

Mon, 20 Jun, 2022

Matsuoka vows to continue working hard after missing out on glory

Tashkent: Daiki Matsuoka ended his AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022 campaign with a Player-of-the-Match performance on Saturday but the achievement left the youngster with a bittersweet taste.

The Shimizu S Pulse midfielder produced a stellar show as Japan rolled 3-0 past Australia to take third place at the Pakhtakor Stadium.

Matsuoka, however, couldn't help but feel that he and his teammates would leave Tashkent with a lost opportunity.

Francois targets Socceroos step-up

Sun, 19 Jun, 2022

Francois targets Socceroos step-up

Tashkent: Singled out as an exemplary leader by head coach Trevor Morgan, Australia U23 captain Tyrese Francois is determined to take his career to the next level by earning a call-up to the senior national team.

Francois was a model of consistency throughout Australia’s AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Uzbekistan 2022 campaign and the midfielder is hoping his progression may just catch the eye of Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold.