Sport
Tune in tomorrow to Ariana Television for AFC U23 Asian Cup semi-finals
With the knockout stage underway, every match is decisive, and tomorrow’s fixtures will determine which teams advance to the finals.
Football fans in Afghanistan are gearing up for an exciting evening of action as the AFC U23 Asian Cup enters its semi-final stage on Tuesday, 20 January.
Ariana Television Network (ATN) will broadcast the matches live, giving fans across the country a chance to follow the continent’s rising football stars in real time.
Two semi-final matches are scheduled for tomorrow:
Match 1: Japan U23 vs South Korea U23
This will take place at the King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium in Jeddah and kick-off is at 3.30pm Kabul time
This clash features two traditional Asian football powerhouses, both aiming for a final spot. Analysts predict a tightly contested match as each side looks to assert dominance early.
Japan head coach Go Oiwa said on Monday he knows his team, which are the defending champions, have to perform really well against Korea Republic.
“We had quite a lengthy preparation before this tournament so we’re well prepared,” said Oiwa.
“Throughout the group stage we played as a team and we were able to advance smoothly,” he said.
“The (quarter-finals) Jordan game was a struggle because they are strong but I have seen the growth of the team as the tournament has progressed and for sure, we will show even more in the next game.
“Of course, the opponents are going to get stronger as we get further. Jordan gave us some issues which we need to rectify but defending is not just about defenders, we have to defend as a team and all need to communicate better.”
Korea Republic assistant coach Lee Kyung-soo meanwhile said he expects an attack-oriented mindset from his players, having seen Jordan attempt 10 shots against Japan – more than the combined total of their three group stage matches.
“Japan haven’t lost in the tournament and they have shown good attack as well as defence,” said Lee, who stood in for head coach Lee Ming-sun at Monday’s pre-match press conference.
“Having analysed Japan, we should pressurise them because in doing so, we can maximise our strength which is our attack,” he said.
“Tactically, we need to come up with a good plan. We started with some struggles against Lebanon (in the group stage) but over the games, we have been able to get more players in the box and in the quarter-final (against Australia), we got a good outcome from doing that.
“Against Japan, we will try to focus on counter attacking and winning possession higher up the pitch so we can penetrate their defence.”
Match 2: Vietnam U23 vs China PR U23
The second semi-final match scheduled for Tuesday is Vietnam U23 vs China PR U23.
This game will take place at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Sports City Stadium in Jeddah and kick-off is at 7.30pm Kabul time.
Vietnam, who have impressed during the group stage, face China in a game expected to be full of tension and dramatic moments. Fans can expect a high-paced encounter under the floodlights.
Speaking ahead of the showdown, Vietnam’s head coach Kim Sang-sik said he expects his side to continue their swashbuckling run as they seek to emerge champions for the first time.
“I’m extremely happy, honoured and excited to be able to compete for the title alongside Korea Republic, Japan and China PR,” said Kim.
“Looking back at our matches, from the game against Jordan through to the quarter-final against the UAE, our players faced many difficulties and tough moments against strong opponents. But each time they showed great fighting spirit and played intelligently. That is why we are where we are now.”
He went on to state: “I expect China PR to be tough. They are in the semi-finals for the first time and will be highly motivated, with a strong defence led by goalkeeper Li Hao. However, we are fully prepared and will perform at our best.”
China meanwhile are on a high after defeating 2018 champions Uzbekistan in the quarter-finals but head coach Antonio Puche has reminded his players to remain grounded.
“We’re very happy to be here. This is a fantastic experience for me, the team, and everyone involved,” said Puche.
“Our approach has always been to take it game by game. Reaching the semi-final is a big dream for us and we will give our best to reach the final,” he said.
“We know Vietnam well, having played them two or three times before. They are very well organised, are hard to break down and have an extraordinary offensive transition. Tomorrow will certainly be a very difficult game but my players are aware and ready for the challenge.”
The AFC U23 Asian Cup continues to serve as a showcase for Asia’s emerging football talent, offering players a stepping stone to senior national teams.
With the knockout stage underway, every match is decisive, and tomorrow’s fixtures will determine which teams advance to the finals.
Ariana Television’s coverage will ensure Afghan viewers can catch every goal, tackle, and turning point.
Football enthusiasts are encouraged to tune in and witness the drama of the AFC U23 semi-finals live on Ariana Television starting with the Japan–South Korea match at 3:30 pm Kabul time and followed by Vietnam–China at 7:30 pm Kabul time.
Sport
IPL double-header delivers drama: GT seal dominant win, KKR win Super Over
The Indian Premier League (IPL) served up a thrilling Sunday double-header, with Gujarat Titans producing a dominant victory over Chennai Super Kings before Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants in a dramatic Super Over finish.
In the opening match of the day, Gujarat Titans produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
After winning the toss, Gujarat captain Shubman Gill elected to field first, and the decision paid immediate dividends as the Titans bowlers kept the hosts under pressure throughout the innings.
Chennai found stability through skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 74 off 60 balls. Late hitting from Jamie Overton, who struck 18 from just six deliveries, helped lift CSK to 158/7 from their 20 overs.
The innings also featured a major milestone for Sanju Samson, who became the fastest Indian batter to reach 5,000 IPL runs.
However, Gujarat pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada starred with the ball, claiming 3/25 in a superb spell.
In reply, Gujarat’s openers made an aggressive start, racing to 55 without loss in the Powerplay. Gill scored 33 before being stumped off Noor Ahmad, but Chennai’s brief hope quickly disappeared.
Sai Sudharsan then took complete control with a magnificent 87 off just 46 balls, striking boundaries all around the ground. He shared a decisive 97-run stand with Jos Buttler, who remained unbeaten on 39, as Gujarat reached 162/2 in 16.4 overs.
Player of the Match: Kagiso Rabada for his figures of 3/25.
Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders
The evening contest in Lucknow delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the season as Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Lucknow Super Giants in a Super Over.
Lucknow captain Rishabh Pant chose to bowl first and saw paceman Mohsin Khan produce a sensational spell.
The left-armer ripped through Kolkata’s top order, dismissing Tim Seifert, Ajinkya Rahane and Rovman Powell before later removing Cameron Green and Anukul Roy.
His superb figures of 5/23 left KKR struggling at 93/7 in the 15th over.
But Rinku Singh then produced a remarkable rescue act. Calm under pressure before exploding at the death, Rinku smashed four sixes in the final over and finished unbeaten on a stunning 83 from 51 balls, lifting Kolkata to 155/7.
Lucknow’s reply was led by Pant’s 42, with Aiden Markram contributing 31 and Ayush Badoni adding 24. Kolkata’s bowlers kept striking at vital moments, with Vaibhav Arora taking 2/24 and Varun Chakaravarthy claiming 2/33.
The drama peaked on the final ball when Lucknow needed seven runs to win. Mohammed Shami launched a sensational six over long-off to tie the scores at 155/8 and force a Super Over.
Kolkata dominated the tie-breaker.
Sunil Narine bowled a superb Super Over, dismissing Nicholas Pooran with the first ball before Markram also fell. Lucknow managed just one run.
Needing only two to win, Rinku Singh smashed the first delivery of the chase to the boundary to seal a memorable victory.
Player of the Match: Rinku Singh for his unbeaten 83 and outstanding fielding display.
Attention now turns to today’s clash as Delhi Capitals take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in another crucial contest in the race for the playoffs.
The match will be broadcast live across Afghanistan on Ariana Television.
Sport
Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan secure top spots at Kabul wrestling festival
An international traditional wrestling festival hosted by Afghanistan has concluded in Kabul after three days of competition involving athletes from seven countries.
The event brought together 160 athletes from Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey, along with Afghan competitors, competing across multiple weight categories.
The tournament featured three disciplines: Kurash, Rustami wrestling, and Kushtingiri, showcasing a mix of regional traditional combat sports.
In the Kurash category, Uzbekistan secured first place, Tajikistan came second, and Afghanistan finished third.
In Rustami wrestling, Afghanistan achieved first place, followed by Uzbekistan in second and Tajikistan in third.
In Kushtingiri, Tajikistan took first place, Uzbekistan placed second, and Afghanistan finished third.
Officials said the results highlight strong regional competition and growing cooperation among participating countries through traditional sports, as Afghanistan continues efforts to promote cultural and athletic exchange in the region.
Sport
Kohli, Padikkal fire Bengaluru into IPL top two with win over Gujarat
A blistering knock from Virat Kohli and a rapid half-century by Devdutt Padikkal powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru into the top two of the Indian Premier League standings after a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans on Friday.
Chasing a formidable 206, Bengaluru rode on Kohli’s fluent 81 off 44 balls — an innings that began with a reprieve off the very first delivery — and Padikkal’s explosive 55 to reach 206-5 in 18.5 overs. The duo stitched together a decisive 115-run partnership for the second wicket, putting Gujarat’s bowling attack under sustained pressure.
Earlier, Gujarat posted 205-3, anchored by a superb century from Sai Sudharsan, who struck an even 100 off 58 balls — his third IPL hundred. The left-hander also etched his name in the record books, becoming the fastest player to reach 2,000 IPL runs, surpassing the previous mark held by Chris Gayle.
Kohli capitalized on an early dropped chance by Washington Sundar and went on to hit eight fours and four sixes. Padikkal, the more aggressive of the pair, raced to his half-century in just 20 balls, hammering six sixes and two boundaries. Together, they took on Gujarat’s key bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan.
Despite a brief wobble that saw Bengaluru lose four wickets in quick succession — including Padikkal to a Rashid googly and Kohli to a slower ball from Jason Holder — the hosts regained control. Krunal Pandya and Tim David calmly guided the chase home.
Earlier in the innings, Sudharsan dominated proceedings, sharing a 128-run opening stand with captain Shubman Gill, who contributed 32. Sudharsan’s innings featured 11 fours and five sixes before he was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood.
Late fireworks from Holder helped Gujarat cross the 200-run mark after a change in bowling plans saw Pandya deliver the final over.
With the win, Bengaluru climbed to second in the table, marking their fourth home victory, while Gujarat slipped to seventh on net run rate.
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