AFC U23 Asian Cup
As we edge closer to the tournament, the-AFC.com shines the spotlight on the 2022 edition.
Saudi Arabia simply unstoppable
Having twice emerged as runners-up, there was no stopping Saudi Arabia from finally laying their hands on the coveted trophy.
Having opened their group stage campaign with a 5-0 defeat of Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia then played to a goalless stalemate with Japan. Progress to the quarter-finals was sealed with a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates as they topped Group D ahead of Japan on goal difference.
Having twice emerged as runners-up, there was no stopping Saudi Arabia from finally laying their hands on the coveted trophy.
Having opened their group stage campaign with a 5-0 defeat of Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia then played to a goalless stalemate with Japan. Progress to the quarter-finals was sealed with a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates as they topped Group D ahead of Japan on goal difference.
#AFCU23 - Final | Uzbekistan 0 - 2 Saudi Arabia
Vietnam's challenge in the quarter-finals was easily seen off as were Australia in the semi-finals, with Saudi Arabia winning both games by 2-0 margins.
Up next were hosts Uzbekistan in the final but Saudi Arabia were not to be stopped as goals from Ahmed Alghamdi and Firas Al Brikan gave them a richly deserved title, achieved without conceding even once in six matches.
Up next were hosts Uzbekistan in the final but Saudi Arabia were not to be stopped as goals from Ahmed Alghamdi and Firas Al Brikan gave them a richly deserved title, achieved without conceding even once in six matches.
The Stars
Another array of rising stars impressed with Saudi Arabia's Ayman Yahya being crowned the tournament MVP while Korea Republic's Cho Young-wook won the topscorer award.
Another array of rising stars impressed with Saudi Arabia's Ayman Yahya being crowned the tournament MVP while Korea Republic's Cho Young-wook won the topscorer award.
Another player to shine was Al Brikan, who joined the Saudi Arabia squad midway through the tournament while the likes of Yuito Suzuki of Japan, Thailand's Suphanat Mueanta and Jasurbek Jaloliddinov of Uzbekistan were equally impressive.
Standout Match
Finishing as the Group D runners-up meant Japan were forced into a quarter-final showdown with defending champions Korea Republic.
The Young Taegeuk Warriors had topped Group C but Japan started on the front foot and were rewarded in the 21st minute with Yuito Suzuki scoring with a stunning free-kick.
Finishing as the Group D runners-up meant Japan were forced into a quarter-final showdown with defending champions Korea Republic.
The Young Taegeuk Warriors had topped Group C but Japan started on the front foot and were rewarded in the 21st minute with Yuito Suzuki scoring with a stunning free-kick.
#AFCU23 - Quarter-Finals | Korea Republic 0 - 3 Japan
Korea Republic started the second half strongly but their inability to put away chances cost them with Mao Hosoya doubling Japan's lead in the 65th minute.
Suzuki completed the win in the 80th minute as Japan advanced to a semi-final against Uzbekistan and eventually finishing third while Korea Republic failed to make the last four stage for the first time in tournament history.
Suzuki completed the win in the 80th minute as Japan advanced to a semi-final against Uzbekistan and eventually finishing third while Korea Republic failed to make the last four stage for the first time in tournament history.
