Afghanistan’s under-18 futsal team suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Argentina in their second Group A match at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Wednesday.

Argentina secured victory with a dramatic late goal from Valentino Martínez in the final minute, ending Afghanistan’s hopes of taking points from the closely contested encounter at the Iba Mar Diop Complex in Dakar, Senegal.

The South American side took the lead through an unfortunate own goal by Afghanistan goalkeeper and captain Ahmad Esmaeili. However, Afghanistan responded strongly, with Ali Ahmadi finding the equaliser in the 18th minute to send the teams into the break level at 1-1.

Afghanistan defended resolutely throughout the second half, with Esmaeili producing important saves to keep Argentina at bay as the contest remained finely balanced.

Just as the match appeared to be heading towards extra time, Martínez struck again to secure all three points for Argentina.

The result leaves Afghanistan with three points from two matches in Group A, following an impressive 5-0 victory over Panama in their opening fixture.

Argentina, meanwhile, moved to six points and secured qualification for the semi-finals.

Afghanistan will now turn their attention to their final group match against hosts Senegal on Saturday, November 7, with a place in the knockout stages still at stake.

The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for November 9.

Arman FC defeated Sarsabz Yashlar 3-1 in the 70th match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan on Tuesday at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium.

Sarsabz Yashlar took the lead in the 17th minute, but Arman FC equalized through Fardin Azizi in the closing stages of the first half to make it 1-1 at the break.

Arman FC took the lead in the second half when Malcolm Isaiah Shaw scored directly from a long-range free kick in the 65th minute.

Shaw added his second goal of the match in the 80th minute, extending Arman FC’s lead to 3-1 and securing all three points for his side.

Shaw was named Man of the Match for his two-goal performance.

Arman FC will face Toofan Herat in their next fixture on November 7, while Sarsabz Yashlar are scheduled to take on Sorkh Poshan Khafi on the same day.

All matches of the sixth season of the Roshan Afghan Champions League are broadcast live on Ariana Television.

Afghanistan got their men’s futsal campaign at the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games off to a flying start, defeating Panama 5-0 in their opening Group A match on Monday, November 2.

The Afghan side delivered an impressive performance, scoring twice in the first half and adding three more goals after the break to complete a convincing five-goal victory.

Reza Karimi, Hussain Hassani, Mohammad Akbari, Farhad Nazari and Ali Ahmadi were all on target, with each player scoring once.

Hassani and Zakir Hussain Abdullahi registered two assists, and Akbari registered one.

The emphatic result gives Afghanistan three valuable points and an excellent start to their bid for a place in the semi-finals.

Under the Dakar 2026 men’s futsal format, eight teams are divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the knockout stage.

Afghanistan will next face Argentina on November 4 before concluding their Group A campaign against Senegal on November 7.

The five-goal victory provides an early boost for Afghanistan as they look to progress through the group stage and challenge for a medal at the Youth Olympic Games.

Fans can meanwhile tune in and watch the Dakar Youth Olympic Games exclusively on Ariana Radio and Television Network.