Yesterday, February 12, the U-20 Asian Cup kicked off in China. In this tournament, 16 teams are divided into 4 groups and are fighting for the championship.
Group A
Shi Song Chen (China)
As the host, China is expected to play a bright game and the responsibility of leading the team falls on Shi Song Chen. The 19-year-old central defender plays for the B team of Shandong Taishan.
Luka Jovanovic (Australia)
The striker scored both of the team's goals in the match against Afghanistan and is expected to lead the attack. The 19-year-old plays for Adelaide United.
Iriskeldy Madanov (Kyrgyz Republic)
The 19-year-old striker played a crucial role in Kyrgyzstan's qualification to the finals. He scored two goals in Group I, as his team tied with Japan on seven points.
Ibrahim Muhammadali (Qatar)
The captain of the team, Muhammadali, was exemplary in Group J. The 19-year-old midfielder scored once in each match, as Qatar finished top of the group with nine points.
Group B
Amour Faisal (Iraq)
The 20-year-old midfielder, captain and key player of Iraq, played a key role in his team's qualification to the finals, finishing first in Group H with nine points. He scored three goals in the West Asian team's qualifying matches.
Odi Burhan Fakhuri (Jordan)
Jordan were among the five best teams to finish second. The 19-year-old Fakhuri did a great job, scoring three goals as his team finished second in Group J behind Qatar.
Tamer Fathi Alkhaibari (Saudi Arabia)
Alkhaibari was a real star in the qualifying stage, scoring the most goals in the tournament with five. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, topped Group D with 10 points. The 19-year-old striker is expected to lead his team in their bid to win a fourth World Cup title.
Ri Jong-Dok (North Korea)
The 20-year-old Ri was a standout player for North Korea, who finished first in Group E. The DPRK finished the group four points ahead of Oman. The four-goal striker is expected to make a big contribution to the Koreans' bid to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2014.
Group C
Saidumarkhon Saidnurullaev (Uzbekistan)
The U-20 Asian Cup has been a stepping stone for many Uzbek players in recent years. Saidnurullaev will be looking to follow in their footsteps after putting in a great performance in the tournament in China. The 20-year-old midfielder scored four goals in the qualifying round. With Uzbekistan determined to defend their title, it is likely he will score more.
Ismail Golizoda (Iran)
The midfielder scored three goals in the qualifying round. Iran, on the other hand, finished with a perfect nine points. Golizoda will be a key player in Iran's bid to win the title.
Jens Raven (Indonesia)
The midfielder impressed in qualifying, scoring three goals. Indonesia topped Group F ahead of Yemen, Timor-Leste and the Maldives. The 19-year-old is currently training with Dordrecht in the Netherlands.
Abdulrahman Abdulnabi (Yemen)
One of the youngest players in the qualifiers, 16-year-old Abdulnabi scored twice to help his team reach the finals. Abdulnabi, a right-winger, plays for Yemeni club Al Wahda.
Group D
Soma Kanda (Japan)
Soma Kanda was impressive in qualifying, scoring three goals as Japan topped Group I with seven points. The 19-year-old Kawasaki Frontale striker has already gained experience in the Asian Elite Champions League and will now help Japan win their second title.
Shim Yong-won (South Korea)
South Korea will be looking to extend their record by winning their 13th title. While the team has a strong attacking line-up, defender and captain Shim's role is crucial as the East Asians need to provide defensive stability in a very difficult group.
Anas Dahkhan (Syria)
Syria have been an unstoppable force in qualifying Group A and have qualified for the finals with 12 points. The 19-year-old striker Dahkhan has been a key player for the team, scoring four goals. It will be interesting to see how Anas handles the Japanese and South Korean defence.
Kelan Ryan (Thailand)
Thailand reached the finals as one of the five best second-placed teams. They can thank Ryan for that, scoring five goals and playing a key role in the team. The Southeast Asian team will need the 19-year-old's high-level skills to advance from a very strong Group D.
Source: the-afc.com Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”
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