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Afghanistan’s Mahdi Norouzi ruled out of AFC Futsal Asian Cup due to injury

Afghanistan, drawn in Group D, will open their campaign against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday at the Jakarta International Velodrome.

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Afghanistan’s national futsal team captain Mahdi Norouzi will miss the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026, which kicked off today, Tuesday January 27, in Indonesia, after sustaining an injury while playing in the Iranian Premier League.

In a video message, Norouzi said he is preparing to undergo surgery.

Afghanistan, drawn in Group D, will open their campaign against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday at the Jakarta International Velodrome.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, head coach Majid Mortezai expressed confidence in the team despite Norouzi’s absence.

“Saudi Arabia is one of the strongest teams in Asia, and we have made the necessary plans for this match,” Mortezaie said.

“Despite the absence of our captain and some adjustments to our strategy, the team is ready, and we hope to achieve a positive result. Our goal remains to strengthen Afghanistan’s position among the top futsal teams in the region and globally,” he said.

With Norouzi sidelined, Akbar Kazemi will captain the side, stepping into the leadership role for the tournament. Norouzi, meanwhile, encouraged his teammates via a video message. “Fight for your country and your people, and bring joy to the people of Afghanistan once again.”

Sixteen teams are competing for continental glory in Indonesia. Afghanistan shares Group D with Iran, the reigning Asian champions, and Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

Iran’s veteran coach Vahid Shamsaee, 50, is leading a revamped squad, aiming to maintain Asia’s dominance.

“We can’t stay in the past. The last win is over. Over the last three years—especially after the last World Cup—we had many changes in the team. This tournament is really important,” Shamsaee said.

Meanwhile, Malaysia, under new head coach Addie Azwan, is determined to make an impact despite limited preparation. “We’re not here just to make up the numbers. We want to show that Malaysian futsal is improving and that we can compete. Even though our ranking is not high, we aim to give other teams a challenge,” Azwan said.

For Afghanistan, this tournament is as much about resilience and collective leadership as it is about competition. Despite missing star players, the team’s speed, coordination, and high-press tactics show they are ready to challenge Asia’s best.

All eyes will be on the Lions of Khorasan as they aim to build on their 2024 quarter-final breakthrough and demonstrate that futsal in Afghanistan is more than a sport—it is a symbol of national pride, courage, and unity.

Fans across Afghanistan can follow every match live as ATN has secured exclusive broadcasting rights in the country. All AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 matches will be aired on Ariana Television.

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ACL: Sarsabz Yashlar edge Isteqlal Kabul 2–1

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Sarsabz Yashlar Faryab defeated Isteqlal Kabul 2–1 in the 11th match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan.

The match was played on Friday at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium in Kabul.

The two teams played out a balanced first half, with neither side able to break the deadlock.

In the second half, Esteqlal Kabul’s Haroon Noori opened the scoring to put his side 1–0 ahead.

Sarsabz Yashlar responded by increasing the pressure, with Abdullah Maki equalizing in the 67th minute.

Adnan Nemati then scored Sarsab Yashlar’s second goal in the 82nd minute, completing the comeback and securing a 2–1 victory over Esteqlal Kabul.

Matches from the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan are being broadcast live on Ariana Television.

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Sorkh Poshan Khafi beat Arman FC 2–0 in ACL season six

Arman FC will face Khurasan Faryab in their third match next Sunday, while Sorkh Poshan Khafi will take on Toofan Herat.

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Sorkh Poshan Khafi secured a 2–0 victory over Arman FC in their second match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan.

The two sides faced off on Friday at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium in Kabul in the 10th match of the tournament.

Arman FC started brightly and looked dangerous in attack, creating several chances in the first half. However, they failed to find the back of the net.

Sorkh Poshan Khafi broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute through Ali Basit Nazari, who finished the chance to put his side 1–0 ahead. Nazari was later named Player of the Match.

Arman FC pushed for an equalizer after the break and enjoyed a significant spell of possession, but Sorkh Poshan Khafi defended well and remained dangerous on the counter.

The Khafi-based side sealed the win in second-half stoppage time when Naweed Mahboobi scored the second goal, securing a 2–0 victory.

Arman FC’s goalkeeper also produced several important saves to keep the scoreline from widening.

Arman FC will face Khurasan Faryab in their third match next Sunday, while Sorkh Poshan Khafi will take on Toofan Herat.

Both matches will be broadcast live on Ariana Television.

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India sweep Afghanistan 3-0 as Abhishek Sharma hits record T20 century

Afghanistan struggled from the start of their chase and lost four wickets for just 47 runs.

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India defeated Afghanistan by 127 runs in the third and final T20 international in Delhi on Thursday, completing a 3-0 series sweep.

India opener Abhishek Sharma hit the fastest T20 international century by a batter from a full-member nation, reaching his hundred from just 30 balls.

The 26-year-old scored 108 runs from 34 deliveries, hitting nine fours and 11 sixes before he was dismissed by Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan.

His century also broke India’s previous record of a 35-ball hundred, set by former captain Rohit Sharma against Sri Lanka in 2017.

India’s other opener, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, scored 50 from 35 balls as India posted 221 for seven after Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bowl.

Afghanistan struggled from the start of their chase and lost four wickets for just 47 runs.

They were eventually bowled out for 94 in 14.1 overs, losing the match by 127 runs.

Captain Ibrahim Zadran was Afghanistan’s top scorer with 25 runs.

India’s Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravi Bishnoi took three wickets each as Afghanistan’s batting order collapsed.

Speaking after the match, Zadran said he was disappointed with the result but noted some improvement in the team’s approach during the powerplay.

“Definitely disappointed,” ​Zadran said. “We improved a little bit in the powerplay. Totally happy ​with the intent…

“Yes, we will struggle a little bit in one or two series, but with time we will improve,” he said. “If we don’t have intent, it is really hard to beat international teams.”

Zadran also called for Afghanistan to play more matches against top international sides.

“We need to play more games and more series, especially against the biggest teams. That’s how we can improve,” he said.

 

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