Salman bin Ibrahim: AFC U-20 Asian Cup Shapes the Future of Asian Football

TDT | Manama

Email: hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and First Vice President of FIFA, emphasized the significance of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup, highlighting its role as a pivotal platform for nurturing young talent and shaping the future of Asian football. The tournament kicked off yesterday in China, featuring 16 national teams. Australia cruised past Kyrgyzstan 5-1, with Luka Jovanovic and Musa Toure each scoring a brace, while Daniel Benne added one to secure a perfect start for the Australians as they aim to surpass their AFC U20 Asian Cup™ 2023 quarter-final finish. Meanwhile, China edged Qatar 2-1, with Chengyu and Jiwen finding the net for the hosts, while Faragalla scored Qatar’s only goal.

A Crucial Tournament on the AFC Calendar

Sheikh Salman stressed that the U-20 Asian Cup holds a key position in the AFC’s competition calendar, as it enriches competition among Asian nations while offering young players a stage to show their exceptional footballing abilities.

High Expectations for Competitive Performances

The AFC President expressed confidence that the participating teams would deliver high-quality performances, reflecting the continuous growth of Asian football. He noted that fans could expect top-tier matches throughout the tournament, highlighting the region's development and rising competitive standards.

A Pathway to Global Success

Sheikh Salman acknowledged the legitimate ambitions of all competing teams, not only to lift the trophy but also to secure qualification spots for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. He believes this intensifies competition, elevating the overall level of play. He also wished all teams success in delivering performances that mirror the progress and advancement of football across the continent.

China’s Hosting Efforts Commended

The AFC President praised China’s efforts in providing an ideal environment to host the U-20 Asian Cup, expressing full confidence in the country’s ability to organize the event to the highest international standards. He highlighted China’s vast resources and extensive experience in hosting major sporting events.

AFC’s Commitment to a Successful Tournament

Sheikh Salman reaffirmed the AFC’s dedication to supporting the success of the tournament, stating that the AFC’s team is working closely with the local organizing committee to ensure a memorable edition of the U-20 Asian Cup that will be etched in the history of Asian football.