Saudi footballers face Uzbekistan in AFC U17 Asian Cup final

TAIF: The Saudi Arabia U-17 national team will look to end a 37-year wait for continental glory when they face Uzbekistan in the final of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup on Sunday.

Kick-off at King Fahd Sports City Stadium in Taif is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. local time.

The Green Falcons are aiming to capture their third title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1985 and 1988. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan are seeking a second championship after first winning the tournament in 2012.

Saudi Arabia finished second in Group A during the tournament’s opening phase, collecting six points from three matches — three points behind group winners Uzbekistan. China placed third with three points, while Thailand finished bottom without a point.

The Saudis began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over China and a 3-1 win against Thailand, before falling 3-0 to Uzbekistan in the final group match. In the knockout stages, Saudi Arabia edged Japan 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the quarterfinals, and again triumphed on penalties against South Korea in the semifinals, winning 3-1 following a 1-1 stalemate.

Uzbekistan dominated the group stage, recording three consecutive victories: 4-1 against Thailand, 2-1 over China, and 3-0 against Saudi Arabia.

They carried their strong form into the quarterfinals with a 3-1 win over the UAE and secured a place in the final after a convincing 3-0 semifinal victory against North Korea.

Both Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan have already secured qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year. They will be joined by fellow Asian qualifiers Japan, the UAE, Indonesia, South Korea, North Korea, and Tajikistan.