AFC U-20 Asia Cup: Seong-min’s Penalty Shootout Heroics Help Korea Republic Advance To SF

AFC U-20 Asia Cup: Seong-min’s penalty shootout heroics help Korea Republic advance to SF (Image Source: IANS)

Goalkeeper Hong Seong: Korea Republic advanced to the semifinals of the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup with a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout win over defending champions Uzbekistan after their quarter-final ended 3-3.

The thrilling match, held on Sunday in Shenzhen, saw Korea Republic hold a 3-1 lead until Uzbekistan mounted a late comeback, scoring twice in the final minutes of regulation to force extra time.

Despite leading 3-1, Korea Republic found themselves under pressure when Uzbekistan’s determination in the closing stages of regular time leveled the score at 3-3. In extra time, neither team was able to find the winner, and the match was ultimately decided by penalties.

The victory secured Korea Republic's spot in the semi-finals against Saudi Arabia, as well as a place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile in 2025. It also marked another step toward their record-extending 13th AFC U-20 Asian Cup title.

Korea Republic's starting lineup saw several changes from their last group stage match, with captain Kim Tae-won and six others returning to the starting eleven. Uzbekistan also made three adjustments, with captain Muhammadali Urinboev aiming to score for a fourth consecutive match.

The game was filled with action from the outset. Hong Seong-min denied Urinboev a penalty in the second minute, while both teams had several chances. Uzbekistan broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Asilbek Jumaev's slight touch diverted a corner into the net. However, Korea Republic responded swiftly, with Shin Min-ha equalizing in the 24th minute and then adding another in the 56th minute. Lee Geon-hee’s interception and assist allowed Tae-won to score a third. Uzbekistan, not to be outdone, equalized in the dying moments through Abdugafur Haydarov, sending the match into extra time and eventually penalties.

Korea Republic's starting lineup saw several changes from their last group stage match, with captain Kim Tae-won and six others returning to the starting eleven. Uzbekistan also made three adjustments, with captain Muhammadali Urinboev aiming to score for a fourth consecutive match.

Article Source: IANS