Sport
China and Japan set for AFC U23 Asian Cup final showdown
China have never lifted the AFC U23 Asian Cup trophy, but left wing-back Hu Hetao says belief and confidence will be key as his side prepare for one of their toughest tests yet.
China will chase history when they face Japan in the final of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 on Saturday, with the match set to be broadcast live and exclusively across Afghanistan by Ariana Television Network (ATN).
China have never lifted the AFC U23 Asian Cup trophy, but left wing-back Hu Hetao says belief and confidence will be key as his side prepare for one of their toughest tests yet.
“The final will not be easy, but we are ready,” Hu said. “We know Japan will be very difficult opponents, but we are driven by the determination to create history. We have to believe in ourselves.”
The 22-year-old defender has featured in all five of China’s matches en route to the final and is among the more experienced players in the squad, despite his young age.
This year’s event marks his second AFC U23 Asian Cup appearance.
China’s journey to the final has been built on discipline, preparation and growing confidence, but history is not on their side. Hu was part of the China squads that lost to Japan at both the AFC U20 Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2023 and in a previous U23 campaign.
“Japan are one of the top teams in Asia and I’ve played them a few times,” Hu said. “What matters is that we play to our strengths, not focus on theirs, and go for the win. We’ve come a long way and we need to play without fear.”
Japan, meanwhile, arrive in the final chasing another milestone under head coach Go Oiwa, who could become the first coach to win the AFC U23 Asian Cup title twice.
Oiwa is in charge of Japan for a third consecutive edition and previously guided the Young Samurai Blue to the title two years ago, defeating Uzbekistan in the final. After an early exit in the 2022 tournament, Japan rebounded strongly under his leadership.
The 53-year-old has enjoyed a decorated coaching career, most notably leading Kashima Antlers to AFC Champions League glory in 2018, and is a two-time AFC Coach of the Year. His experience in managing young talent has been evident throughout the tournament, with Japan once again demonstrating tactical discipline and depth.
Saturday’s final promises a compelling clash between a Japan side aiming to cement its dominance at youth level and a China team seeking a historic first title.
The AFC U23 Asian Cup final between China PR and Japan will take place on Saturday, January 24, with ATN broadcasting the match live and exclusively across Afghanistan, bringing the continental showpiece directly to Afghan football fans.
The match gets underway at 7:30 pm but a prematch show will start at 6:30 pm Kabul time on Ariana Television.
Sport
All eyes on Colombo as India and Pakistan face off at T20 World Cup
The match comes after weeks of uncertainty fueled by renewed political tensions between the two neighbors.
Cricket’s fiercest rivalry takes center stage this evening, Sunday February 15, as India face Pakistan in what will no doubt be a blockbuster match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The high-voltage encounter is set to begin at 6:00 PM Kabul time in Colombo, with the fixture being played at a neutral venue in Sri Lanka amid tight security and global attention.
The match comes after weeks of uncertainty fueled by renewed political tensions between the two neighbors.
Pakistan’s decision to allow its team to compete against India has cleared the way for one of the most watched games in world cricket—an event that routinely draws hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.
India–Pakistan clashes are rare outside major tournaments, heightening the stakes and intensity. Both sides enter the contest eager to gain early momentum in the group stage, where a single win can prove decisive in the race for the knockout rounds.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka and features 20 teams split into four groups. Each team must navigate a tightly packed group stage, with only the top performers advancing to the playoffs.
With passionate fan bases, elite talent on both rosters, and tournament qualification pressure already building, tonight’s match is expected to be one of the defining moments of the 2026 World Cup.
Sport
Winter Olympics 2026: Wednesday brings records, first-ever golds and thrilling action
Audiences in Afghanistan have been able to follow all the action live, as ATN holds exclusive broadcast rights to the Winter Olympics, with events aired nationwide on Ariana Television.
Wednesday’s competitions at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina delivered a packed schedule of medal events, record-breaking performances, and historic firsts, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Across speed skating, biathlon, luge, figure skating, and other winter disciplines, the day showcased the depth and diversity of talent at the Games.
Speed Skating Record
In one of the standout moments of the day, Jordan Stolz of the United States captured gold in the men’s 1,000m speed skating, setting a new Olympic record. Stolz’s performance marked a breakthrough on the world stage and established him as one of the sport’s emerging stars.
Historic Luge Gold for Italy
On home ice, Italian duo Andrea Voetter and Marion Oberhofer made history by winning the first-ever women’s doubles luge gold medal. Their victory delighted local fans and added a memorable chapter to Italy’s Olympic story, highlighting the host nation’s strength in sliding sports.
Biathlon Brilliance
French athlete Julia Simon claimed gold in the women’s 15km individual biathlon, demonstrating remarkable accuracy and resilience in challenging snow conditions. Her performance underscores France’s continued strength in Nordic disciplines and sets the stage for further excitement in upcoming biathlon events.
Figure Skating Excellence
In ice dance, France’s Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron claimed the top podium spot, while American favorites Madison Chock and Evan Bates earned silver in a tightly contested free dance final. Fans were treated to a display of precision, artistry, and athleticism, reflecting the high level of competition in this marquee Olympic sport.
Wednesday also featured intense competitions in alpine skiing Super-G, Nordic combined, women’s moguls, and doubles luge, keeping spectators engaged across multiple venues. Each event underscored the Olympics’ commitment to showcasing a broad range of winter sports and the exceptional skill of the athletes representing their nations.
Exclusive Coverage in Afghanistan
Audiences in Afghanistan have been able to follow all the action live, as ATN holds exclusive broadcast rights to the Winter Olympics, with events aired nationwide on Ariana Television. This allows Afghan viewers to witness key moments, record-breaking performances, and historic wins as they happen, bringing the excitement of the Games directly to homes across the country.
As the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics continue, fans can expect more thrilling stories, emerging stars, and unforgettable moments, with each day adding new highlights to a Games already rich in drama and achievement.
The final draw for the AFC U17 Men’s Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 took place today, Thursday February 12, confirming the group-stage line-up for Asia’s premier youth football tournament and setting the stage for a highly competitive continental battle.
Sixteen teams have been drawn into four groups of four, with each side aiming not only for continental success but also qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals and secure their places at the global showpiece.
Hosts Saudi Arabia headline the tournament as top seeds, joined by Asia’s leading youth football nations and several emerging teams that impressed during the qualification phase. The draw balanced traditional powerhouses with ambitious newcomers, promising closely contested matches throughout the group stage.
Scheduled to take place from May 5 to May 22, 2026, the 21st edition of the AFC U17 Men’s Asian Cup will once again serve as a key platform for the continent’s brightest young talents to showcase their potential on the international stage.
With the groups now confirmed, preparations intensify as teams turn their focus toward tactical planning and squad development ahead of what is expected to be a thrilling tournament in Saudi Arabia.
- Group A: Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Myanmar
- Group B: Japan, Indonesia, China, Qatar
- Group C: South Korea, Yemen, Vietnam, UAE
- Group D: Uzbekistan, Australia, India, North Korea
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