Sport
From underdogs to global contenders: Afghanistan’s futsal rise
Afghanistan’s national futsal team has been making waves on the global stage in the past few years, proving that resilience and talent can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Their journey from underdogs on the global platform to serious contenders has been nothing short of inspiring.
In line with this, Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) has remained committed to helping develop the sport in the country and will once again produce and broadcast Afghanistan Futsal Premier League Season 4, which is scheduled to kick off on June 6 and end on August 12.
Ten teams will take part in this year’s tournament, playing a total of 90 matches in a round-robin format.
While the start of the tournament is still more than two weeks away, anticipation is growing.
First up however is Saturday’s tournament draw which will be broadcast live on Ariana Television and Ariana News from 3pm.
Growing interest
In September 2024, Afghanistan made history by competing in their first-ever Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan.
They faced top teams like Argentina, Paraguay, and Ukraine, securing a thrilling 6-4 victory over Angola before narrowly losing to Argentina 2-1 and Ukraine 4-1.
Despite these setbacks, they advanced to the round of 16, where they fought hard against Paraguay but were eliminated 3-1 after extra time.
Their performance ignited national pride and inspired young athletes across the country.
More recently, in April 2025, Afghanistan continued to impress at the Copa BETesporte Intercontinental de Seleções in Brazil and a four-nation tournament in Morocco.
They battled world-class opponents, earning critical wins and proving their ability to compete at the highest level.
Their matches against Brazil and Iran showcased their discipline and determination, while their victories over Greenland highlighted their growing consistency.
Despite limited resources and infrastructure, Afghanistan’s futsal team has demonstrated remarkable progress and their success is a testament to the passion and dedication of their players, coaches, and supporters.
As they continue to rise, they are not just making a name for themselves in futsal but also bringing hope and pride to their nation.
Domestic tournaments key to growing futsal arena
Domestic tournaments, meanwhile, play a crucial role in Afghanistan’s futsal landscape, serving as a platform for talent development, national pride, and international recognition.
In line with this, ATN is committed to supporting the team on its journey to success, and tournaments like the Afghanistan Futsal Premier League provide young players with opportunities to showcase their skills and gain professional experience.
Fan Zone
The games will be held at the Afghanistan Football Federation Futsal Committee Gymnasium.
Two matches will take place each day – both of which will be broadcast live and exclusively on Ariana Television.
Fans meanwhile can tune in to Ariana Television and Ariana News at 3pm on Saturday for what will undoubtedly be an exciting tournament draw.
Sport
Sarsabz Yashlar edge Arman FC 1-0 in Afghanistan Champions League
Farid Ahmad scored the decisive goal in the 36th minute to give Sarsabz Yashlar all three points.
Sarsabz Yashlar secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Arman FC in the 27th match of the Afghanistan Champions League in Kabul on Monday.
Farid Ahmad scored the decisive goal in the 36th minute to give Sarsabz Yashlar all three points.
Despite the defeat, Arman FC won nine corners compared with three for Sarsabz Yashlar. However, Sarsabz Yashlar had a higher share of shots on target, 57 percent to 43 percent.
The result leaves Arman FC eighth in the 10-team competition with four points from six matches. Sarsabz Yashlar are sixth with six points.
All Afghanistan Champions League matches are being broadcast live and exclusively by Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN).
Sport
Kunduz football ground to be built with FIFA funding
The Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF) says a new football ground will be built in central Kunduz with money from FIFA.
The federation said an agreement has been signed between Afghanistan’s General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports and the AFF, under which 10 jeribs of land in central Kunduz will be allocated to the federation for 25 years for construction of the facility.
According to the AFF, funding provided by FIFA will be used for the project, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
The federation said the new ground will provide better facilities for athletes, allow the province to host football competitions, help identify young talent and support the development of football in Kunduz.
Sport
ACL: Sorkh Poshan Khafi maintain perfect record with 1-0 win over Ariana Khost
Ariana Khost, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
Sorkh Poshan Khafi maintained their perfect record in the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Ariana Khost in Kabul on Monday.
Reza Ghulami scored the only goal of the match with a header, securing all three points for the Herat-based side.
The win takes Sorkh Poshan Khafi to 18 points from six matches, keeping them at the top of the league table. They have won all six of their games and remain unbeaten.
Ariana Khost, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
Sorkh Poshan Khafi also had the edge in several match statistics, recording five corners to Ariana Khost’s two and 55 percent of shots on target compared with 45 percent for their opponents.
All Afghanistan Champions League matches are being broadcast live and exclusively by Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN).
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