Saudi Arabia Edge South Korea On Penalties To Reach AFC U-17 Asian Cup Final
In a dramatic semi-final clash, Aboubakr Saeed emerged as the hero, scoring a stoppage-time equalizer from the spot in the 12th minute of added time, keeping the Green Falcons' title dreams alive before goalkeeper Al Otaibi made two vital saves in the shootout.
South Korea had taken the lead just before halftime through Ha Ram Oh, who finished on the rebound after his initial shot was parried.
Despite dominant spells by the Saudis, it wasn't until the dying seconds of the match that they found the breakthrough, as Saeed converted from the spot after Abdulaziz Al Fawwaz was fouled in the box.
With this victory, Saudi Arabia — two-time champions of the tournament — advance to the final, where they will meet the winner of the other semi-final between North Korea and Uzbekistan.
South Korea started brightly and nearly took an early lead through Jung Hwi Seop, who headed just over in the 2nd minute. Saudi Arabia gradually grew into the game, with Abdulrahman Sufyani and Sabri Dhal creating danger down the flanks.
The Green Falcons came close in the 38th minute when Sufyani met Al Fawwaz's cross with a powerful header that narrowly missed the target.
South Korea's opening goal came in the 45th minute when Jin Jeon Young played a quick free kick to Kim Ji Yeon, whose cross evaded the defense and found Ha Ram Oh. The striker's initial attempt was saved, but he pounced on the rebound to give his side the lead.
Saudi Arabia increased the pressure in the second half, testing the Korean defense with long-range efforts, particularly through Sufyani and Mutari. Their persistence paid off in the dying moments, as Al Fawwaz was brought down by the goalkeeper, allowing Saeed to fire home from the spot and send the match to penalties.
In the shootout, Al Otaibi made two crucial saves, while Al Fawwaz, Sabri Dhal, and Thari Saeed scored for Saudi Arabia. Only Sufyani saw his attempt saved by Park Do Hoon.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
19-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
UAE To Face Qatar, Oman In World Cup Qualifiers
The United Arab Emirates were drawn to take on Qatar and Oman in the fourth phase of Asia's preliminaries for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday. According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the winners of each of the three-team groups, which will be played in October, will join already-qualified Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Uzbekistan, Iran and Jordan at next year's expanded 48-nation finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Saudi Arabia will host Group A and open against Indonesia on October 8. Indonesia will then play Graham Arnold's Iraq on October 11 before the Saudis and Iraq face off on 14th October. Group B hosts Qatar, organisers of the 2022 World Cup, will take on Oman in their first game on October 8. The UAE will face Oman on October 11, with Qatar and the UAE meeting on October 14. The nations finishing in second place in each group will advance to a further round of qualifying, which will be held over two legs in November on a home-and-away basis. Source Bahrain News Agency
Daily Tribune
25-06-2025
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain reach AVC Men's Nations Cup final
Bahrain booked their place in the AVC Men's Nations Cup 2025 final after a five-set win over South Korea on Monday night. The match swung in both directions and the hosts took the first two sets 25–21 and 25–23, before Korea mounted a comeback to level the match at 2–2. But Bahrain held their nerve in a tight decider, sealing the fifth set 15–13 to punch their ticket to the final vs Pakistan. Bahrain made an early statement with aggressive serving and sharp middle play, unsettling a Korean side that had previously looked composed in their quarter-final win over Australia. The home side's consistency in transition and discipline on defence allowed them to grab a 2–0 lead, with the crowd firmly behind them. Korea responded with typical structure, taking the third and fourth sets with improved passing and smart play from the wings, including a particularly strong stretch in the fourth, which they won comfortably 25–18. With momentum against them, Bahrain dug deep in the final frame. Despite several nervy exchanges, the hosts edged out a narrow 15–13 fifth set, sending the home crowd into celebration. Pakistan Sweep Qatar In the other semi-final, Pakistan delivered arguably the most complete performance of the tournament, defeating defending champions Qatar in straight sets (25–22, 25–22, 25–21). The result was not only a reversal of last year's final but also a significant upset over the world's 23rd-ranked side. Pakistan outscored their opponents 75–65 and were more effective in both attack (47 points to 41) and at the net (7 blocks to 5). Despite trailing in service aces, they forced 20 unforced errors from Qatar, capitalising on every opportunity. Usman Faryad Ali was the standout performer, racking up 18 points, including 17 kills and a block. Team captain Murad Jehan added 16, with Murad Khan, Fahad Raza and Musawer each playing key supporting roles in a dominant all-round effort. Final Set: Bahrain vs Pakistan Today's final now pits two of the tournament's most improved teams against each other. Pakistan The rematch of their earlier group stage encounter, won narrowly by Bahrain, adds further intrigue. With silverware on the line, it will be a test of composure and who can seize the moment when it matters most. Elsewhere in Nations Cup Australia secured fifth place with a convincing 3–0 win over Indonesia (25–20, 25–21, 25– 22), ending their campaign on a high note after a tough draw saw them face South Korea in the quarter-finals.
Gulf Insider
16-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Beat Haiti 1-0 To Open 2025 Gold Cup Campaign
Saudi Arabia kicked off their 2025 Gold Cup campaign with a crucial 1-0 win over Haiti on Monday night at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, securing their first three points in Group D. Striker Saleh Al-Shehri netted the match-winning goal from the penalty spot in the 21st minute, giving Herve Renard's side a strong start ahead of their high-stakes clash with group leaders the United States on Friday. The U.S. had earlier defeated Trinidad and Tobago 5-0. Despite losing captain Hassan Kadesh to injury in the 30th minute — replaced by Abdullah Madu — Saudi Arabia managed to maintain their lead through to halftime. Renard made several second-half substitutions to preserve energy and tactical shape, introducing Ayman Yahya and Abdulrahman Al Obud early in the second half. Firas Al-Buraikan came on for Al-Shehri in the 61st minute, with Turki Al-Ammar completing the rotation in the 82nd. The win boosts Saudi Arabia's hopes of advancing to the Round of 16, with the top two teams in each group progressing. This marks the Green Falcons' debut in the tournament, invited as a special guest by CONCACAF.
