SAIPAN — The NMI U20 Boys National Team opened its AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign with a 7-0 loss to Mongolia on Monday, playing in front of 1,141 spectators in the team’s first match of the tournament.
The Northern Mariana Islands Football Association called the match an important experience and valuable opportunity for the young squad, saying the team “continued to compete and represent the Northern Mariana Islands with pride” through a difficult result.
Coach Atsushi emphasized that development remains the priority, according to the association, with the focus now on learning from the match, making adjustments and continuing to grow as a team. “Every match and every experience is an opportunity to grow, and this team will continue moving forward together,” the association said, thanking supporters who tuned in from home.
The team carries the lessons into its final match of the qualifying window. “The journey continues,” the association said. “Biba NMI!”
