AFC U17 Asian Cup
The action kicks off with two ties on Friday with the sides fully focused on achieving continental glory after having secured qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026. The-AFC.com takes a look at just what can be expected from the four match-ups.
#AFCU17 - Preview: Quarter-Finals
Japan v Tajikistan
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Training Stadium Pitch C (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Friday, 19:00 (UTC+3)
Tajikistan will be aiming to derail Japan’s quest for a fifth title when they clash in the quarter-finals, with the Central Asian side’s confidence boosted by their fighting performance in the 5-5 draw with Saudi Arabia in their Group A decider.
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Training Stadium Pitch C (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Friday, 19:00 (UTC+3)
Tajikistan will be aiming to derail Japan’s quest for a fifth title when they clash in the quarter-finals, with the Central Asian side’s confidence boosted by their fighting performance in the 5-5 draw with Saudi Arabia in their Group A decider.
Although Tajikistan finished second in the group, they advanced to the knockout stage with an unbeaten record and will be eager to test themselves against a strong Japanese side.
Japan, however, will be equally confident after topping Group B with a perfect record of three wins, showing they have the grit to match their immense talent.
Japan, however, will be equally confident after topping Group B with a perfect record of three wins, showing they have the grit to match their immense talent.
They had to come from behind to defeat Qatar 3-1 before securing hard-fought victories against China PR (2-1) and Indonesia (3-1) and will head into the tie fully focused and prepared.
Saudi Arabia v China PR
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Training Stadium (Pitch A) (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Friday, 20:00 (UTC+3)
Saudi Arabia and China PR - both two-time champions - are set for a thrilling showdown having coming through a testing group stage.
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Training Stadium (Pitch A) (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Friday, 20:00 (UTC+3)
Saudi Arabia and China PR - both two-time champions - are set for a thrilling showdown having coming through a testing group stage.
Although Saudi Arabia topped Group A, they had to show resilience and last year’s runners-up will be mindful to not let their guard down, having allowed Tajikistan to hold them to a thrilling draw.
China PR will look to capitalise on Saudi Arabia’s defensive frailties as they look to build on their Group B performance which saw them sneak past Qatar and Indonesia into the knockout stage.
China PR will look to capitalise on Saudi Arabia’s defensive frailties as they look to build on their Group B performance which saw them sneak past Qatar and Indonesia into the knockout stage.
The East Asian side are determined to stamp their mark on the tournament and defeating the hosts would be just the confidence booster they need in their bid to add to the two titles won previously.
Uzbekistan v Korea Republic
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Training Stadium Pitch C (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Saturday, 19:00 (UTC+3)
Defending champions Uzbekistan enter the quarter-finals as one of the standout teams of the tournament so far, having won both their group matches without conceding a goal.
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Training Stadium Pitch C (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Saturday, 19:00 (UTC+3)
Defending champions Uzbekistan enter the quarter-finals as one of the standout teams of the tournament so far, having won both their group matches without conceding a goal.
The Central Asian side, however, were not really tested in their victories over Australia and India and will brace themselves for a hurting Korea Republic.
The East Asian side struggled in Group C, advancing to the quarter-finals with one win and two draws and will be determined to show their true capabilities.
The East Asian side struggled in Group C, advancing to the quarter-finals with one win and two draws and will be determined to show their true capabilities.
They won’t get a better chance as Uzbekistan’s consistency makes them formidable opponents.
Vietnam v Australia
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Training Stadium Pitch A (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Saturday, 20:00 (UTC+3)
Vietnam will be determined to stay on track after battling performances saw them booking a quarter-final spot.
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Training Stadium Pitch A (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Saturday, 20:00 (UTC+3)
Vietnam will be determined to stay on track after battling performances saw them booking a quarter-final spot.
A 3-2 win against the United Arab Emirates sealed them the Group C top spot ahead of Korea Republic and having worked so hard, the Southeast Asian side will not want to let the semi-finals slip away from them.
Australia will also have a point to prove after being dominated by Uzbekistan in the 2-0 defeat on Wednesday.
They know they are much better than that and having had time to refocus, will definitely be up to the task of taking on Vietnam.
They know they are much better than that and having had time to refocus, will definitely be up to the task of taking on Vietnam.
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