Kapanlagi.com - An exciting battle marked the quarterfinals of the U-17 Asian Cup 2025 between Japan and Saudi Arabia, which took place on Sunday night (13/4/2025) at Okadh Sport Club Stadium. From the moment the initial whistle blew, both teams immediately displayed aggressive play that captivated the audience. Japan took the lead first, but Saudi Arabia did not remain silent. With a burning fighting spirit, they managed to equalize, making the match even more thrilling.
After 90 minutes of intense tension, the score remained tied at 2-2, forcing the match to proceed to a penalty shootout. In this crucial moment, Saudi Arabia showed extraordinary calmness and bravery.
In the pressure-filled penalty shootout, they managed to defeat Japan with a score of 3-2. This brilliant victory propelled Saudi Arabia into the semifinals of the U-17 Asian Cup, becoming the first team to secure a ticket to the next round.
1. The First Half Colored by Penalties and a Score Turnaround
The match began with the roaring spirit of the Japanese team, which immediately launched an attack on the opponent's defense. In a quick tempo, Japan managed to earn a penalty in the 9th minute, and Taiga Seguchi calmly converted it into a goal, putting Japan ahead 1-0.
However, that lead did not last long; in the 17th minute, Saudi Arabia got a similar opportunity after a foul in the penalty area, and Abu Baker Saeed brilliantly equalized the score to 1-1, reviving the spirit of the home team. The tension escalated when Sabri Dahal, in the 37th minute, capitalized on the Japanese defense's lapse to score the second goal and turn the tide, putting Saudi Arabia ahead 2-1.
2. Japan Does Not Give Up, Penalty Shootout Becomes Decisive
In the second half, which proceeded more cautiously, Japan relentlessly launched attacks, and their efforts finally paid off in the 72nd minute when Hiroto Asada scored the equalizer to make it 2-2. The match continued with neither team able to break the deadlock until the final whistle, forcing both teams into a penalty shootout. In that tense moment, Japan had to face immense pressure. After each team successfully executed their first two penalties, Japan faced misfortune by failing on three consecutive kicks, while Saudi Arabia only missed once, thus emerging as the winners with a score of 3-2.
3. Uzbekistan Advances to Semifinals After Defeating United Arab Emirates
After Saudi Arabia achieved a stunning victory, Uzbekistan followed as the second semifinalist with an impressive performance at King Fahd Sports City Stadium, where they conquered the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a score of 3-1. From the opening whistle, Uzbekistan displayed undeniable dominance, with Asilbek Aliev shining brightly with his spectacular two goals in the 14th and 36th minutes. Not content with that, Sayfiddin Sodikov extended the lead with a penalty kick in the 45+5 minute. Although the UAE managed to narrow the gap with a goal from Mohamed Buti in the second half, they could not add any more goals. Now, Uzbekistan advances to the next round and prepares to face the winner of the exciting duel between Indonesia and North Korea.
4. Another Decisive Match: Indonesia and South Korea as Final Hopes
Two other semifinal tickets are still up for grabs in the matches on Monday night (14/4) and Tuesday early morning (15/4) WIB. The Indonesian U-17 national team will face North Korea at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium at 22:00 WIB.
This match presents a great opportunity for Garuda Muda to continue their impressive run in the U-17 Asian Cup. If they qualify, Indonesia could face Uzbekistan in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Tajikistan will meet South Korea on Tuesday early morning. This match will determine the opponent for Saudi Arabia in the semifinals.
5. Complete Results of the Quarter Finals of the U-17 Asian Cup 2025
Japan vs Saudi Arabia: 2-2 (penalties 2-3)
Goalscorers: Taiga Seguchi 9’-pen, Hiroto Asada 72’ | Abu Baker Saeed 17’-pen, Sabri Dahal 37’
Uzbekistan vs United Arab Emirates: 3-1
Goalscorers: Asilbek Aliev 14’, 36’, Sayfiddin Sodikov 45’+5 | Mohamed Buti 67’
6. Popular Questions About the U-17 Asian Cup 2025
Who won between Japan vs Saudi Arabia in the U-17 Asian Cup 2025?
Saudi Arabia won against Japan through a penalty shootout with a score of 3-2 after a 2-2 draw in regular time.
Who is Uzbekistan's opponent in the U-17 Asian Cup semifinals?
Uzbekistan will face the winner of the match between Indonesia vs North Korea.
When will the Indonesia U-17 vs North Korea match take place?
The match will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 22:00 WIB.
Has Indonesia ever reached the semifinals of the U-17 Asian Cup?
No, but this time Indonesia has a great chance to make history if they win against North Korea.
(kpl/mni)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.