Sport
Asia’s rising stars set to shine at AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026
Ariana Television will bring every major moment live to screens nationwide, with pre-match analysis and expert commentary — ensuring Afghan football fans stay fully connected to all the on-field drama from Riyadh and Jeddah.
Asia’s top young football talent is set to take centre stage as the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup gets underway in Saudi Arabia this week.
The biennial championship — featuring 16 of the continent’s best under23 national teams — will run from 7 to 25 January 2026, with Ariana Television Network (ATN) providing live and exclusive broadcast coverage across Afghanistan.
The tournament marks the seventh edition of Asia’s premier under23 football competition. Hosted across two of Saudi Arabia’s most vibrant cities — Riyadh and Jeddah — matches will be played in four worldclass stadiums, blending modern facilities with passionate local support.
In Jeddah, the Prince Abdullah AlFaisal Sports City Stadium will stage the opening match and final, while group and knockout fixtures are split between ElShabab Club Stadium and Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City in Riyadh.
Sixteen nations will compete in a group stage followed by knockout rounds, all vying for continental glory and the opportunity to showcase future stars of Asian football. Saudi Arabia qualifies automatically as host, joining 15 teams that emerged from rigorous qualifying competitions across Asia last year.
Defending champions Japan return to defend their title alongside continental heavyweights such as South Korea, Qatar, Australia and Iran — all drawn into competitive groups following the official tournament draw held in October.
The U23 tournament plays a pivotal role in the development of young talent across Asia, often spotlighting the next generation of players for senior national teams and professional leagues worldwide. Football fans can expect fast-paced action, tactical battles and standout performances as teams fight for the coveted trophy over three intense weeks of competition.
Ariana Television will bring every major moment live to screens nationwide, with pre-match analysis and expert commentary — ensuring Afghan football fans stay fully connected to all the on-field drama from Riyadh and Jeddah.
Fans are encouraged to tune in to ATN’s exclusive coverage and follow all the action as Asia’s rising stars aim to etch their names into football history.
However, fans can stay fully up to date on all live sporting coverage, including the U23 tournament, by following Ariana News and Ariana Television’s official social media platforms, where match schedules, kick-off times, broadcast dates and the latest updates will be shared regularly.
Viewers are encouraged to follow these pages to ensure they don’t miss a moment of the world-class sporting action being brought to screens across Afghanistan.
Sport
Sorkh Poshan Khafi rout Istiqlal Kabul 6-0 in ACL season six
Sorkh Poshan Khafi secured a convincing 6-0 victory over Esteqlal Kabul today (Friday) in the 23rd match of the sixth season of the Afghanistan Champions League at the Football Federation Stadium in Kabul.
Reza Gholami opened the scoring for Sorkh Poshan Khafi in the fourth minute with a header before Sohrab Afghan doubled the lead in the 21st minute.
Afghan struck again four minutes into the second half to make it 3-0, while Yar Mohammad added the fourth goal in the 52nd minute.
Sorkh Poshan Khafi completed the rout with two further goals in the 68th and 70th minutes, securing a 6-0 win.
The sixth season of the Roshan Afghanistan Champions League is being broadcast live on Ariana Television.
Sport
Afghanistan Champions League: Arman FC and Aino Mina play out goalless draw
Arman FC will return to action on September 28, when they face Sarsabz Yashlar. Aino Mina Kandahar will play their next match on September 29 against Toofan Herat.
Arman FC and Aino Mina Kandahar played out a goalless draw on Friday in the 22nd match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium in Kabul.
Both sides started the match with an attacking approach, creating several opportunities and making efforts to break the deadlock. However, neither team was able to convert their chances as the first half ended without a goal.
The attacking contest continued after the restart, with both Arman FC and Aino Mina looking for an opening goal. Arman FC continued to push forward in search of a breakthrough, while Aino Mina also created opportunities of their own.
Despite the efforts from both sides and several attempts to find the decisive goal, neither team managed to unlock the opposition defense. The match ultimately ended 0–0, with both teams taking a point from the encounter.
The match also saw Aino Mina commit 15 fouls and receive one yellow card. Arman FC committed eight fouls and finished the game without receiving either a yellow or a red card.
Arman FC will return to action on September 28, when they face Sarsabz Yashlar. Aino Mina Kandahar will play their next match on September 29 against Toofan Herat.
Matches in the sixth season of the Roshan Afghanistan Champions League are broadcast live on Ariana Television.
Sport
Nepal beat Afghanistan in Asian Games cricket
Nepal made a strong start to their Asian Games campaign on Friday, defeating Afghanistan by six wickets after bowling them out for 102.
Afghanistan, who had beaten Japan in their opening match, struggled against Nepal’s disciplined bowling attack after choosing to bat first.
Afghanistan lost their first three wickets for just 16 runs. Faisal Shinozada then steadied the innings with 30 runs from 33 balls, putting together a 39-run partnership with Najibullah Zadran.
However, Shinozada’s dismissal triggered another collapse, with Afghanistan falling from 55 for four to 65 for six. Zadran remained at the crease and scored 30, while Nangeyalia Kharote added 17 runs to help Afghanistan pass 100.
Nepal’s bowlers Lalit Rajbanshi and Kushal Bhurtel were the main contributors. Rajbanshi took three wickets for 13 runs, while Bhurtel claimed four for 21 and came close to a hat-trick.
Chasing 103, Nepal also lost two early wickets to slip to 12 for two. Captain Rohit Paudel and Sundeep Jora then steadied the innings.
Paudel remained unbeaten on 33, while Jora scored 34 as Nepal comfortably moved towards the target and completed the chase with six wickets in hand.
The victory gives Nepal a winning start to their Asian Games campaign, while Afghanistan now have one win and one defeat from their opening two matches.
Nepal will face Japan on September 26, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
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