South Korea's U-20 football team faced disappointment as they were eliminated from the 2025 AFC U-20 Asian Cup by Saudi Arabia, losing 3-2 on penalties after a goalless draw through both regular and extra time. The match took place on February 26, 2025, at the Youth Football Training Center located in Shenzhen, China.
This match marked South Korea's chance to reclaim the U-20 Asian Cup title for the first time since 2012. Managed by Lee Chang-won, South Korea entered the semifinal after defeating Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals, where they triumphed 3-1 on penalties following another tense outing.
Throughout the first half, South Korea maintained aggressive pressure, seeking to secure early momentum. They attempted several shots on goal, but Saudi goalkeeper Hamad Al-Shanqiti was resolute, denying multiple attempts between the posts.
The first major opportunity for South Korea came just under five minutes from the start, with Son Seung-min attempting to score from close range but failing to convert the chance. They continued pushing forward with frequent incursions, and just before half-time, they had multiple attempts through players like Baek Min-kyu and Hwang Jeong-woo, yet the score at the interval remained 0-0.
Following the break, South Korea made tactical substitutions, including the introduction of Yoon Do-young, amplifying their offensive strategy. Yet, the second half proceeded similarly with both sides showcasing defensive prowess, leading to yet another scoreless 45 minutes.
Extra time saw exhausted players from both teams trying to capitalize on any openings. South Korea missed potentially decisive chances early on, including one from Kim Tae-won who struggled to convert from inside the box. Despite another energized approach, the game continued to lack goals, leaving the outcome to be decided by penalties.
South Korea took the first shot, but Kim Tae-won was thwarted by Al-Shanqiti. After the initial miss, each side exchanged successful shots until Saudi Arabia’s fourth penalty taker, Al-Tamiri, also failed to score, keeping the match evenly poised at 2-2. The final hopes rested on Kim Gyeol’s kick; sadly, it was unsuccessful, granting Saudi Arabia’s Ali Al-Mahdawi the opportunity to seal the victory with their successful penalty.
This stunning turn of events left South Korea, who had high hopes of reclaiming the title, to contemplate their missed opportunities. Coach Lee Chang-won expressed his disappointment but also pride for the players who showed incredible resilience throughout the tournament. “We gave everything but fell just short. I believe these players will learn and grow from this experience,” noted Lee during the post-match press conference.
South Korea's early stage performance augured hope, having demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the group stages and quarters. They ended the tournament not as champions but as warriors who fought bravely for the title, leaving the pitch with heads held high.
Moving forward, the focus will now shift to future competitions, with South Korea preparing for their appearance at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where they will again seek to establish themselves on the international stage.