Sport

AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026: Day One Review

Afghanistan open their campaign on Wednesday against Saudi Arabia in what promises to be a high-intensity and emotionally charged encounter.

Published

6 months ago

January 28, 2026

Ariana News

The 2026 edition of Asia’s premier futsal tournament kicked off with an exciting opening day of group-stage action, delivering drama, comebacks and competitive intensity as 16 teams began their campaign for continental honours.

Vietnam edge Kuwait in thrilling Group B opener

One of the standout matches of the day came in Group B, where Vietnam fought back from an early two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic 5-4 victory over Kuwait.

Kuwait took an early lead inside the first 10 minutes and led 3-2 at halftime, but Vietnam rallied with crucial goals late in the first half and in the second to clinch all three points in their opener.

The result gives Vietnam an important psychological boost as they continue in a group that also includes tournament favourites Thailand and Lebanon.

Coach Diego Giustozzi praised his side’s resilience after the match, noting that the team needed time to settle before turning the game around with improved possession and attacking cohesion.

Other opening day action

Elsewhere on the opening day of the competition, familiar heavyweights began their campaigns with matches across various groups, including Thailand’s win in Group B to top their opening fixtures.

While other matches involving teams such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Malaysia in Group D are due to kick off in the coming days, the tournament’s first results already show the mix of experience and emerging talent on display at this edition of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup.

Day One set the tone for what promises to be intense, high-tempo futsal, with teams demonstrating attacking flair, tactical battles and dramatic turnarounds from early setbacks.

Fans following the tournament closely can expect more key group clashes over the coming days, as sides fight for top spots and aim to secure progression to the knockout rounds.

What’s coming up on Day Two: Wednesday, 28 January

The excitement continues on Day Two of the AFC Futsal Asian Cup Indonesia 2026, with several key group-stage encounters set to take place at the Jakarta International Velodrome.

All eyes will be on Group D, where Afghanistan open their campaign against Saudi Arabia in what promises to be a high-intensity and emotionally charged encounter.

The match marks the Lions of Khorasan’s first appearance at the tournament as they look to build on their historic 2024 breakthrough and make another strong statement on Asia’s biggest futsal stage.

Also on Wednesday, Iran face Malaysia in the other Group D fixture, as the defending champions begin their title defence with a revamped squad.

For Afghanistan, the opening match is about more than just points. It is a test of belief, resilience and collective strength, as the team seeks to overcome the absence of key players and show that Afghan futsal continues to rise through unity, discipline and national pride.

Live and exclusive coverage

Fans across Afghanistan won’t miss a moment of the action. Ariana Television Network (ATN) will broadcast the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 live and exclusively across the country, bringing every goal, save and celebration directly to viewers at home.

For up-to-date broadcast schedules, match timings and coverage details, fans are encouraged to follow Ariana News and Ariana Television on their official social media platforms.

With anticipation building and the Lions of Khorasan ready to roar, Day Two promises passion, drama and unforgettable futsal moments.

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Afghanistan futsal team heads to Thailand for Continental Championship

Published

5 hours ago

July 29, 2026

Ariana News

The Afghanistan national futsal team has departed for Bangkok, Thailand, to compete in the 2026 Continental Futsal Championship.

According to the Afghanistan Football Federation, the tournament will be held from August 1–6 and will feature Afghanistan, Thailand, Russia, Vietnam, and New Zealand.

Afghanistan will kick off its campaign against host nation Thailand on August 2.

Sport

Afghanistan set for crucial five-match ODI series against Ireland

The first two matches will be played at Bready on August 5 and 7 before the series moves to Stormont in Belfast for the remaining three ODIs on August 10, 12 and 15.

Published

6 hours ago

July 29, 2026

Ariana News

Afghanistan will return to international one-day cricket next week when they take on Ireland in a five-match ODI series, with the opening match scheduled for August 5 at Bready Cricket Club in Northern Ireland. The series will run through August 15 and forms an important part of both teams’ preparations for future ICC competitions.

The first two matches will be played at Bready on August 5 and 7 before the series moves to Stormont in Belfast for the remaining three ODIs on August 10, 12 and 15.

Afghanistan will be led by newly appointed ODI and Test captain Rahmat Shah, with explosive wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz serving as vice-captain. The squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent as the team looks to continue its strong record against Ireland in the 50-over format.

Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has not been included as Afghanistan continues planning for the future, while left-arm fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi returns to strengthen the pace attack. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan is expected to play a key role alongside rising spinner AM Ghazanfar.

Afghanistan squad:

Rahmat Shah (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (vice-captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (wicketkeeper), Nangyal Kharotai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Yamin Ahmadzai, Saleem Safi, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.

Reserve players: Qais Ahmad, Fareed Malik, Bilal Sami and Bashir Ahmad.

Ireland, meanwhile, has named an injury-hit squad for the opening three matches of the series, with several first-choice players unavailable. The hosts are expected to confirm their squad for the final two ODIs closer to the matches, depending on player fitness.

The five-match series is expected to provide valuable match practice for both teams as they continue preparations for upcoming international commitments and the ICC qualification pathway.

Series schedule:

August 5: 1st ODI – Bready Cricket Club
August 7: 2nd ODI – Bready Cricket Club
August 10: 3rd ODI – Stormont, Belfast
August 12: 4th ODI – Stormont, Belfast
August 15: 5th ODI – Stormont, Belfast

Watch the series

Fans across Afghanistan can tune in to Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) to watch the series live on Ariana Television.

Fans are also encouraged to follow Ariana Television, Ariana Sport and Ariana News’ social media pages for updated schedules, news and other exciting information.

Sport

Qosh Tepa and Akhawat to face off in AWPL final

Published

1 day ago

July 28, 2026

Ariana News

Qosh Tepa secured its place in the final of the inaugural Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League (AWPL) after defeating Setareha on the eighth day of the competition in Kabul on Monday.

The league, which has brought together some of Afghanistan’s top wrestlers, continued with a series of closely contested bouts as teams battled for a place in the championship match.

Qosh Tepa made a strong start when Masihullah Nazari defeated Sayed Omar Zazi of Setareha in the 61kg weight category.

In the second bout, Najibullah Hassani extended Qosh Tepa’s advantage with a 6-2 victory over Murtaza Ayobi in the 65kg division.

The day’s third contest featured Mohammad Sarwar Sarwari of Akhawat, who produced one of the most dominant performances of the tournament, defeating Mohammad Ali Turkmanwal of Fath 14-1.

Qosh Tepa continued its winning momentum in the fourth bout as Shams Qureshi overcame Abdul Salim Qaderi of Setareha 7-1 in the 70kg weight category.

The team went on to claim three more victories, sealing an emphatic overall win and booking its place in the league final. The defeat ended Setareha’s hopes of competing for the inaugural championship.

The Afghanistan Wrestling Premier League will pause on Wednesday before returning for its final day of competition on Thursday, when Qosh Tepa will face Akhawat in the championship match to determine the first-ever AWPL title winners.

The final will be followed by the league’s closing ceremony.