'Kim Jung-min's son' Dani Daichi (17, Japan) could not lead Japan to the semifinals.

The U17 Japan national team drew 2-2 with host nation Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals of the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025, held on the 14th at Okad Sport Club in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and was eliminated after losing 2-3 in the penalty shootout.

The victorious Saudi team will face the winner of the match between South Korea and Tajikistan in the semifinals. Japan's elimination means the rivalry match between Japan and South Korea will not take place.

Dani Daichi, who gained attention as the son of singer Kim Jung-min, made his starting debut during the tournament. Daichi played as a left forward rather than at the front. He made a significant contribution by assisting the equalizing goal, but lacked shooting accuracy.

Daichi came on as a substitute for Gabayama in the 33rd minute of the second half against Australia on the 11th. It was his first appearance in the tournament. He scored Japan's second goal in the 41st minute of the second half. After missing the first two matches, Daichi made an impact by scoring in his first match.

In his first starting match, Daichi had a great opportunity in the 3rd minute of the first half but missed the goal with a shot that went well wide. He also failed to capitalize on a chance against the goalkeeper in the 21st minute of the first half.

Saudi Arabia committed a handling foul just 9 minutes into the first half. Japan took a 1-0 lead with Seguchi's successful penalty kick. Saudi Arabia equalized in the 17th minute with Abdelrahman Sa'id's penalty kick, making it 1-1.

Saudi Arabia turned the tide in the 37th minute of the first half. Soufiani broke through the right side perfectly and provided an accurate pass. Sabri, charging in, scored the decisive goal with a precise right-footed finish. It was a dazzling dribble and pass that broke down Japan.

Daichi took a powerful right-footed shot in the 43rd minute of the first half in front of the box, but it went over the goal. It was an unmarked situation, but the direction was not accurate.

Saudi Arabia was focused on passive defense, trying to hold on to the 2-1 score. Eventually, this allowed Japan to gain momentum.

Finally, Japan's equalizing goal came. Daichi played an important role. In the 27th minute of the second half, Daichi made a superb through pass near the halfway line, which Asada received near the box and connected with a shot to equalize. Although Asada's finishing shot was good, Daichi's sense in making the pass was outstanding.

With rising momentum, Daichi even attempted a header shot in the 30th minute of the second half but mishit, failing to score. He continued to threaten the Saudi goal.

In stoppage time, Japan's Haryu had the ball hit his elbow inside the box. The referee did not declare a penalty kick. The U17 Asian Cup proceeded directly to a penalty shootout without extra time.

Japan took the first penalty kick in the shootout. Asada, who scored the equalizer, successfully converted. Nasser also scored, making it 1-1. Yoshida recorded his goal without a mistake. Yazid's goal brought the score to 2-2.

Kamo, who scored two goals in the tournament, had his shot saved by the goalkeeper. Saudi Arabia's Tani also missed, keeping the score at 2-2. Fuji's left-footed shot hit the crossbar. Japan missed consecutive penalties. Tawashi scored, giving Saudi Arabia a 3-2 lead.

With Japan needing to score to avoid losing, Haryu's shot hit the goalpost, resulting in a 2-3 defeat for Japan. Japan's hopes for a third consecutive title were dashed.

[OSEN]