Afghanistan futsal team thrash Panama 5-0 in flying start to Dakar Youth Olympics

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.