Afghanistan’s Futsal WC fate hangs in balance 

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.