2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup: Saudi Arabia Falls Short Despite Strong Start
Saudi Arabia missed the chance to win the 2025 AFC U-17 Asian Cup title after falling to Uzbekistan 0–2 in the final match held Sunday evening at King Fahd Sports City Stadium, concluding the tournament hosted by the Kingdom.
Despite Uzbekistan finishing the match with only nine players—after two of their players were sent off in the 41st and 45th minutes—Saudi Arabia failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage. This came as a major disappointment to Saudi fans who were hoping for a third title following victories in 1985 and 1988.
Uzbekistan’s Mohammed Hakimov opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 50th minute, and Khasanov doubled the lead in the 70th minute, sealing the title for his team. This marks Uzbekistan’s second U-17 Asian Cup triumph, with their first win coming in 2012 in Iran.
Despite a strong start from the Saudi team, including a powerful early shot by Abdulhadi Matari that was brilliantly saved by the Uzbek goalkeeper, the Uzbek side managed to impose their structure and dominance in midfield. Benefiting from their physical superiority, they denied Saudi Arabia the long-awaited championship.
