AIPS ASIA News:

Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President, has congratulated Uzbekistan on securing their second title after the Central Asians defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 to clinch the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 crown at the King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Taif on Sunday.

Muhammad Khakimov’s conversion from the penalty spot in the 51^st minute and a fine effort by the tournament’s Most Valuable Player Sadriddin Khasanov 19 minutes later led the visitors, who were reduced to nine men in the first half, to the coveted title for only the second time in history, having emerged champions in 2012.

The finalists, who were also the first two Asian sides to confirm their places at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, will represent the Continent alongside DPR Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Korea Republic, Tajikistan and the United Arab Emirates as well as the hosts in the newly expanded 48-team age group showpiece from November 3 to 27.

Shaikh Salman said: “The AFC U17 Asian Cup™ has served as an instrumental springboard, propelling so many of Asia’s emerging talents into future icons. On behalf of the Asian football family, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Uzbekistan for not only clinching their second title but also inspiring the Continent with their riveting performances.

“Our praise also goes to Saudi Arabia for their valiant efforts, as well as the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA). The qualification of both their U-17 and U-20 sides for the corresponding age-group FIFA World Cups later this year reinforces the commitment to long-term excellence displayed by both the SAFF and the UFA.

“Asia will once again provide an outstanding backdrop for the rising stars of tomorrow for the next five years in Qatar and we wish our record nine Asian teams the very best of success, and we know that they will stand proud with the world’s elite.”

The AFC President also thanked the Local Organising Committee for hosting an exceptional tournament and hailed the steadfast dedication of the SAFF, who will also host the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 next week.

“The undeniable promise displayed in Saudi Arabia once again underlined the AFC’s Vision and Mission: to provide the ultimate stage for our emerging players and teams to shine so we must thank the SAFF for their unwaivering unity towards uplifting the game across the Continent and achieving common outcomes for the larger Asian football family,” added Shaikh Salman.

Courtesy AFC