TAIF — Host nation Saudi Arabia clinched a thrilling spot in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup final after defeating South Korea 3-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regular time, in front of a packed crowd at Okaz Club Stadium on Monday night. In a dramatic semi-final clash, Aboubakr Saeed emerged as the hero, scoring a stoppage-time equalizer from the spot in the 12th minute of added time, keeping the Green Falcons' title dreams alive before goalkeeper Al Otaibi made two vital saves in the shootout. South Korea had taken the lead just before halftime through Ha Ram Oh, who finished on the rebound after his initial shot was parried. Despite dominant spells by the Saudis, it wasn't until the dying seconds of the match that they found the breakthrough, as Saeed converted from the spot after Abdulaziz Al Fawwaz was fouled in the box. With this victory, Saudi Arabia — two-time champions of the tournament — advance to the final, where they will meet the winner of the other semi-final between North Korea and Uzbekistan. South Korea started brightly and nearly took an early lead through Jung Hwi Seop, who headed just over in the 2nd minute. Saudi Arabia gradually grew into the game, with Abdulrahman Sufyani and Sabri Dhal creating danger down the flanks. The Green Falcons came close in the 38th minute when Sufyani met Al Fawwaz's cross with a powerful header that narrowly missed the target. South Korea's opening goal came in the 45th minute when Jin Jeon Young played a quick free kick to Kim Ji Yeon, whose cross evaded the defense and found Ha Ram Oh. The striker's initial attempt was saved, but he pounced on the rebound to give his side the lead. Saudi Arabia increased the pressure in the second half, testing the Korean defense with long-range efforts, particularly through Sufyani and Mutari. Their persistence paid off in the dying moments, as Al Fawwaz was brought down by the goalkeeper, allowing Saeed to fire home from the spot and send the match to penalties. In the shootout, Al Otaibi made two crucial saves, while Al Fawwaz, Sabri Dhal, and Thari Saeed scored for Saudi Arabia. Only Sufyani saw his attempt saved by Park Do Hoon.
