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Japan Crowned AFC U23 Asian Cup Champions in Jeddah

The tournament is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing initiative to host major championships - SPA
The tournament is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing initiative to host major championships - SPA
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Japan Crowned AFC U23 Asian Cup Champions in Jeddah

The tournament is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing initiative to host major championships - SPA
The tournament is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing initiative to host major championships - SPA

President of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Yasser Al-Misehal crowned the Japanese national team as champions of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 following their 4-0 victory over China in yesterday’s final in Jeddah.

CEO of the Local Organizing Committee for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Mai Alhelabi highlighted that hosting the championship in Saudi Arabia represents a significant milestone in advancing the Kingdom’s sports landscape, SPA reported.

She noted that the stadiums in Jeddah and Riyadh met the highest technical and operational standards, fulfilling the expectations of both the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and sports fans.

The tournament is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing initiative to host major championships, including the AFC Champions League Elite Finals in April 2026, the AFC U17 Championship Finals in May 2026, and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, scheduled from January 7 to February 5, 2027.

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Senegal Goal Hero Admits AFCON Final Walk-off Was ‘a Mistake’

Senegal's midfielder #26 Pape Gueye celebrates after the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (AFP)
Senegal's midfielder #26 Pape Gueye celebrates after the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (AFP)
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Senegal Goal Hero Admits AFCON Final Walk-off Was ‘a Mistake’

Senegal's midfielder #26 Pape Gueye celebrates after the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (AFP)
Senegal's midfielder #26 Pape Gueye celebrates after the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (AFP)

Senegal's Pape Gueye opened up about his team's walk off at the Africa Cup of Nations final and Morocco's subsequent missed penalty in an interview on French television on Sunday.

Gueye scored the winning goal as Senegal edged Morocco 1-0 in extra time in a controversial game in Rabat last week.

Morocco were awarded a late penalty sparking a walk-off from the eventual winners, leading to a 20-minute delay.

When Senegal came back Brahim Diaz fluffed his penalty, while Gueye scored the winner in extra-time.

"We are only human, we realized our mistake and came back out," said the 26-year-old midfielder Gueye.

"Anyone can make a mistake," he added.

Gueye praised former Liverpool star Sadio Mane, who remained on the pitch and urged his team-mates to return to the game for the penalty.

Senegal were already furious at having a goal disallowed for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier

"He found the right thing to say at the right moment and it shows just how important he is to us," he said.

"We owe him a big thank you."

Gueye also expressed surprise that Diaz dared attempt a panenka penalty that went badly wrong.

"It was daring and I would not have risked that myself," he said.

The Moroccan Football Federation has formally referred the walkout and supporters' behavior to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which organizes AFCON, and FIFA.

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Buendia Scores Stunning Goal as Aston Villa Beat Newcastle 2-0 

Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Aston Villa - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - January 25, 2026 Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins scores their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Aston Villa - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - January 25, 2026 Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins scores their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
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Buendia Scores Stunning Goal as Aston Villa Beat Newcastle 2-0 

Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Aston Villa - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - January 25, 2026 Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins scores their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Soccer Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Aston Villa - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - January 25, 2026 Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins scores their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

A brilliant first-half strike from Emiliano Buendia and a late goal ​by Ollie Watkins gave Aston Villa a 2-0 Premier League win at Newcastle United on Sunday that kept the pressure on second-placed Manchester City as the title ‌race gathers ‌pace.

Villa moved ‌back ⁠level ​with ‌City, who beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 on Saturday, on 46 points, with the two sides four points behind leaders Arsenal, who host Manchester United later ⁠on Sunday, Reuters reported.

Buendia opened the scoring in ‌the 19th minute, ‍crowning a ‍slick Villa attack swept from ‍one side of the field to the other. The 29-year-old picked up the ball on the ​edge of the box and flashed a stunning right-foot shot ⁠past Nick Pope and into the net.

Roared on by the home crowd, Newcastle pressed forward strongly looking for an equaliser but it was Watkins who had the last word for Villa, ghosting in at the far post to head ‌home in the 88th minute and seal the win.

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AFC President: AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Brand Identity Inspiring,

The identity embodies confidence, modernity, and energy, and was developed to inspire the next generation of players and fans across the continent - SPA
The identity embodies confidence, modernity, and energy, and was developed to inspire the next generation of players and fans across the continent - SPA
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AFC President: AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Brand Identity Inspiring,

The identity embodies confidence, modernity, and energy, and was developed to inspire the next generation of players and fans across the continent - SPA
The identity embodies confidence, modernity, and energy, and was developed to inspire the next generation of players and fans across the continent - SPA

President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Senior Vice President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa attended the unveiling ceremony of the visual identity for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™, held on the sidelines of the AFC U23 Asian Cup final between Japan and China yesterday at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.

Al Khalifa expressed his pleasure at the launch of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ visual identity, stressing that the occasion marks a renewed starting point on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s journey toward hosting the jewel of AFC tournaments, SPA reported.

He said: “The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ will be an exceptional celebration of football and culture, and today’s unveiling marks a pivotal milestone in bringing this vision to life. It reflects the Kingdom’s heritage and modernity at the same time, and highlights the inspiring character of the tournament. We are confident it will resonate widely with our passionate fans in Asia and beyond.”

The AFC, in collaboration with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), unveiled the new visual identity for the 19th edition of Asia’s premier football tournament, with less than one year remaining until kickoff.

The identity embodies confidence, modernity, and energy, and was developed to inspire the next generation of players and fans across the continent. It reflects the host nation’s unique spirit and culture while celebrating the unifying power of Asian football.

The unveiling event also featured a short film titled “Spark Across Asia,” depicting the anticipation, unity, and passion surrounding the AFC Asian Cup 2027™ through the journey of a glowing spark moving through daily life and football moments before transforming into the Saudi Arabia 2027 emblem.

At the heart of the identity is the official emblem, which combines a distinctive wordmark with the iconic trophy symbol inspired by stepped Najdi geometry—an architectural and decorative style unique to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This geometric language, historically found in engraved motifs, Sadu textiles, and regional ornaments, conveys rhythm and balance while expressing a distinctly Saudi aesthetic with an Asian dimension.

The emblem is complemented by decorative patterns inspired by Najdi architecture and traditional Saudi crafts, reflecting openness and hospitality—values deeply rooted in Saudi culture.

The trophy symbol also serves as the primary graphic element of the AFC