Saudi Arabia in AFC U-20 Asia Cup final after penalty drama

LONDON: Saudi Arabia booked their place in the final of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup on Wednesday, defeating South Korea 3-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout in Shenzhen, China.

After two hours of hard-fought football ended 0-0, goalkeeper Hamed Al-Shantiqi of Al-Ittihad made two saves, leaving Al-Hilal’s Ali Al-Mahdawi to fire home the winning spot-kick.

Victory over either Japan or Australia on Saturday will give the young Green Falcons a fourth title.

While there were no goals in normal or extra time, there was, however, a bright start. In the opening few seconds, Amar Al-Yuhaybi carried on where he had left off from his 95th-minute winner against host China in the second round at the weekend, testing the goalkeeper with a half-volley from just outside the area. 

Moments later, Korea hit back as Ha Jeong-woo headed straight at Al-Shantiqi from a right-sided free-kick and the goalkeeper then had to push a fierce shot from Son Seung-min over the bar on the half-hour.

Early in the second-half, Saudi Arabia had calls for a penalty waved away after Saad Naqawi went down in the box.

Korea had the best chance after 53 minutes. A fine pass from deep from Yoon Do-yong split the green backline and lifted the ball over the backline for Jin Tae-ho to run on to, but with just the goalkeeper to beat, he slipped the ball just wide of the post.

Saudi Arabia were struggling to create chances, though soon after put together a fluid move that ended with Al-Yuhaybi, probably offside, forcing a good save from the Korean stopper.

Both teams pushed forward but Korea went close again with ten minutes remaining as Kim Tae-won headed just wide from a dangerous position. 

Extra-time had been looming since the break and it was not a surprise when it became official. In the first period, Nawaf Al-Gulaymish cleared off the line and in the second, the game drifted toward spot-kicks.

It started perfectly with Al-Shantiqi’s flying save from Kim Tae-won and a coolly converted kick from Thamer Al-Khaibri. It was looking very good indeed when Lee Chang-woo hit the post but then Saleh Barnawi’s low effort was saved.

With Korea then scoring, the pressure was on Farhah Al-Shamrani who found the bottom corner. Saud Al-Tumbukti had the chance to make it 3-2 but fired over and it was level.

There was time for a another twist as Al-Shantiqi pulled off another save, leaving Al-Mahdawi to send Saudi Arabia into the final.