Saudi Arabia kick off AFC U23 Asian Cup campaign with 5-0 win over Tajikistan

Saudi's players celebrate during their 5-0 win over Tajikistan in their AFC U23 Asian Cup opener.
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Updated 03 June 2022
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Saudi Arabia kick off AFC U23 Asian Cup campaign with 5-0 win over Tajikistan

  • Young Falcons lead Group D on goal difference from Japan, who defeated the UAE 2-1

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia kicked off their AFC U23 Asian Cup 2022 campaign in Uzbekistan with a comfortable 5-0 win over Tajikistan at the Lokomotiv Club Stadium in Tashkent.

The Saudi team now lead Group D on goal difference from Japan, who earlier on Friday defeated the UAE 2-1.

The Young Falcons took the lead through Hamad Al-Yami in the 42nd minute, before the floodgates opened in the second half.

Ayman Yahya scored the second goal four minutes after the break, and Haitham Asiri made it 3-0 in the 68th minute.

Miteb Al-Harbi scored the fourth goal with four minutes of the 90 left and, in stoppage time, Abdullah Radif added the fifth goal from a penalty spot.

Saudi Arabia play Japan on Monday, with Tajikistan meeting the UAE on the same day.

 


Champions League: Barcelona travels to Newcastle as round of 16 gets underway

Updated 10 March 2026
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Champions League: Barcelona travels to Newcastle as round of 16 gets underway

  • Spanish champions travel to St. James’ Park for the first leg, with coach Hansi Flick leaving his players in no doubt about what’s at stake

Barcelona faces Newcastle as the Champions League round of 16 gets underway on Tuesday.
The Spanish champions travel to St. James’ Park for the first leg, with coach Hansi Flick leaving his players in no doubt about what’s at stake.
“It’s one of the most important moments of the season and we are all ready for it,” he said.
Five-time European champion Barcelona hasn’t won the Champions League since 2015 and has had to watch on as its fiercest rival Real Madrid has dominated the competition.
Flick delivered the Spanish title last season, but his team was knocked out of the Champions League at the semifinals stage. He is aiming to improve on that this time around.
“What I can say is everything here in Barcelona is great,” he said. “I’m here 1 1-2 years and I’m enjoying every single day working with this fantastic team, with these fantastic players, with this staff around.
“Now we are building this club also for the future. This is what we want to do.”
Liverpool travels to Galatasaray on Tuesday and Bayern Munich is away to Atalanta.
Atletico Madrid hosts a Tottenham team that is fighting to avoid relegation from the Premier League.