New champions to be crowned as Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia make final

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, January 23, 2020
Adjust font size:

Saudi Arabia beat Uzbekistan 1-0 with a late goal in the semi-final of the U23 AFC championship on Sunday, reaching the final and securing the spot for Tokyo Olympics with South Korea beating Australia 2-0.

Nasser Al Omran's strike in the 87th minute was deflected into the net by Abdullah Al Hamdan to gift Saudi Arabia a dramatic win.

After their 5-1 quarter-final win over the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan were quick into the game with their attacking football.

Bobir Abdixolikov squandered the chance to put Uzbekistan ahead in the 13rd minute as he missed his attempt with only the keeper Mohammed Al Yami to beat.

Saudi Arabia fought back hard but Hassan Al Tambakti headed a corner off the target to leave the game goalless at halftime.

The two sides put their most energy into defense in the second half and it seemed the game would have another 30 additional minutes, only to see Omran killed the match only seven minutes after his substitution.

In another semifinal, Kim Dae-won and Lee Dong-gyeong scored each in the second half to earn South Korea a 2-0 victory over Australia, booking another place in the final and a berth at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

After a goalless first half, South Korea pressed in the front and broke the deadlock as Kim Dae-won stroked the ball home in the 56th minute after Lee You-hyeon's drive hit the post and rebound back.

Lee's strike on the edge of the area beat the keeper and sealed the victory for the Taeguk Warriors in the 76th minute.

Despite their defeats, Uzbekistan and Australia will fight for the third place and the last berth for the Tokyo Olympics on Saturday. 

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter