Synopsis
Amar Al Yuhaybi's last-minute goal led Saudi Arabia to a narrow 1-0 victory over China in the AFC U20 Asian Cup quarter-finals, propelling them towards the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025.Key Takeaways
- Amar Al Yuhaybi scored the winning goal in stoppage time.
- Saudi Arabia advances to the semi-finals of the tournament.
- China missed several key opportunities, including a penalty.
- The match was held at Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Centre Stadium.
- Saudi Arabia is now preparing for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Shenzhen, Feb 22 (NationPress) Amar Al Yuhaybi netted a decisive goal in the dying moments of the match as Saudi Arabia triumphed over China with a score of 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2025 at the Shenzhen Youth Football Training Base Centre Stadium on Saturday.
The Saudi Arabian team is now advancing towards the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile 2025, where they will face either Korea Republic, the 12-time champions, or the reigning champions, Uzbekistan, in the semi-finals scheduled for Wednesday.
On the other hand, China will lament the many missed chances they had—including a penalty—as they exit the tournament.
Both teams started cautiously, with Saad Haqawi providing Saudi Arabia their first opportunity in the eighth minute, curling a free-kick just past the left post.
China responded with their first notable chance in the 16th minute when an unmarked Kuai Jiwen, receiving a cross from Wang Yudong, shot wide with only keeper Hamed Yousef to beat.
The hosts nearly ignited the crowd in the 30th minute when a through ball from Kuai found Wang, who dodged a defender inside the box; however, he could not get his shot on target from an acute angle.
Saudi Arabia ended the first half strong, but Saud Harun's header from close range went straight into the hands of keeper Liu Qiwei.
China began the second half aggressively and had a golden chance to take the lead in the 58th minute when Nawaf Al Ghulaimish fouled Wang just inside the box, but Yousef pulled off a fantastic save to deny Liu Chengyu's penalty.
Wang attempted another shot in the 63rd minute from outside the box, which Yousef could only parry, and Liu mishit the rebound, wasting the chance.
As the match approached extra time, Saudi Arabia caused the Chinese fans to despair just three minutes into stoppage time when Yuhaybi volleyed the ball into the net, beating keeper Liu for a spectacular conclusion to a thrilling match.
