Sport

Afghanistan’s Futsal WC fate hangs in balance

Afghanistan’s knockout stage hopes now depend on the team finishing as one of the best four third-placed sides

Published

1 year ago

September 22, 2024

Afghanistan’s FIFA Futsal World Cup Uzbekistan 2024 campaign was left in the balance on Saturday after a 4-1 defeat to Ukraine in their final Group C match.

Ukraine put in a good performance with goals from Yevhenii Zhuk and Danyil Abakshyn putting them in command going into the break, before overcoming resistance from Afghanistan in the second half after 18-year-old Mehran Gholami – the youngest player at the tournament – pulled one back for the debutant side.

With both sides needing victory to secure second spot, the action at the Andijan Universal Sports Complex came thick and fast with Ukraine’s Zhuk hitting the bar in the opening minutes.

Afghanistan unfortunately fell behind as efforts from Hamid Hossaini, Reza Hossein Poor, Akhbar Kazemi all failed to trouble the Ukranians going into the break.

Afghanistan’s knockout stage hopes now depend on the team finishing as one of the best four third-placed sides, with their fate to be known after Sunday’s conclusion of the group stage.

Futsal fans across the country can tune in on Sunday to watch the final group stage matches live on Ariana Television.

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Afghanistan to host West Indies for three-match T20I series in January 2026

Published

3 hours ago

November 7, 2025

Ariana News

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Friday that it will host West Indies for a three-match T20I series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 19 to 22.

The series will begin on January 19, with the second and third T20Is scheduled for January 21 and 22. It is expected to provide both teams with valuable match practice and will play a key role in their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled less than a month after the series.

ACB CEO Naseeb Khan said: “Competing against West Indies on the brink of a global event presents an excellent opportunity for our team to finalize their lineup and enhance preparations for the upcoming tournament in India and Sri Lanka. We have been closely monitoring the team’s preparation process, and facing a quality West Indies side offers an ideal platform for their buildup.”

CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe added: “This series provides an ideal platform for our preparations. Facing strong opposition in subcontinental conditions will help us sharpen our combinations and approach, while also giving our players a chance to build confidence on surfaces similar to those we’ll encounter in India and Sri Lanka.”

Series Schedule:

Sport

Afghanistan crush Nepal, South Africa in Hong Kong Sixes

Published

9 hours ago

November 7, 2025

Ariana News

Afghanistan’s national cricket team continued their dominant form in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament on Friday, recording back-to-back victories over Nepal and South Africa.

Against South Africa, Afghanistan posted 148 runs in six overs. Captain Gulbadin Naib starred with 50 runs off just 12 balls, while Karim Janat added 46 from 11 deliveries. South Africa could muster only 99 runs in response, giving Afghanistan a commanding 49-run win.

Earlier on Friday, Afghanistan had defeated Nepal by 17 runs, marking a perfect start to the tournament.

The Hong Kong Sixes features twelve teams, each with six players, competing in a fast-paced, six-over format.