Sport
Zaitoon and Zaher Asad triumph in thrilling AFPL matches
The Afghanistan Futsal Premier League (AFPL) Season 4 continued its high-energy pace on Saturday, with two exciting matchups that kept fans on the edge of their seats at the Afghanistan Football Federation’s gymnasium in Kabul.
In the third match of the tournament, Zaher Asad FC pulled off a stunning 4–2 comeback victory over Omid FC. Omid started the game strongly, scoring two early goals and putting Zaher Asad on the back foot. However, Zaher Asad regrouped quickly, showing composure and tactical discipline as they clawed their way back into the match. Scoring four unanswered goals, Zaher Asad turned the tide and secured a dramatic win.
The fourth match saw Zaitoon FC deliver one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far, crushing Deyar Sanayee FC with a decisive 6–2 victory. Zaitoon controlled the tempo from the outset, combining quick ball movement with aggressive pressing. Their attacking unit looked sharp, converting chances with efficiency and leaving little room for Deyar Sanayee to respond.
These matches followed Friday’s exciting kickoff to the league, where Noorzad FC defeated Sadaqat FC 4–2 in opener, and Arya Forj blanked Perozi Panjshir FC 5–0.
With eight out of 10 teams now having played their first match, the AFPL Season 4 is building momentum as clubs fight for early dominance. Matches are being broadcast live across Afghanistan by Ariana Television (ATN), bringing the country’s top futsal talent to viewers nationwide.
Sunday’s matches will feature Etihad FC taking on Jawanan Maihan (3:30 PM), while Sadaaqat FC faces off against Arya Forj (5:45 PM).
Afghanistan’s national buzkashi team was eliminated from the Kokpar World Championship after losing 4–2 to Uzbekistan in the semifinals on Friday.
The defeat prevented the Afghan team from reaching the final, ending their hopes for the tournament title.
Earlier in the tournament, Afghanistan had secured victories over Hungary, Mongolia, and Russia, showcasing strong performances in the opening rounds.
The international Kokpar competition was hosted in the city of Turkistan, Kazakhstan, bringing together top teams from around the world.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Israel Football Association (IFA) for multiple breaches of its obligations as a FIFA member, following allegations of discrimination raised by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA).
The decision comes after the PFA submitted a proposal at FIFA’s 74th Congress, prompting the FIFA Council to mandate a formal investigation. The Committee found that the IFA violated Articles 13 and 15 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, covering offensive behaviour, breaches of fair play, and racist abuse.
As part of the sanctions, the IFA has been fined CHF 150,000, issued a formal warning, and ordered to implement a comprehensive prevention plan. The plan includes displaying a highly visible banner reading “Football Unites the World – No to Discrimination” at its next three home matches in A-level FIFA competitions. FIFA must approve the banner’s layout and placement before each game.
Additionally, one-third of the fine must be invested in anti-discrimination initiatives within 60 days, including reforms, protocols, monitoring, and educational campaigns across stadiums and official channels for a full season. The remainder of the fine must be paid within 30 days.
FIFA emphasized that football carries a responsibility to promote dignity, equality, and mutual respect, particularly during periods of conflict and division.
The IFA has been formally notified, and the decision has been published on FIFA’s legal portal. The ruling remains subject to appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
Afghanistan national buzkashi team secured a 14–0 victory over Hungary in its opening match of the 2026 International Kokpar Tournament in Kazakhstan.
The city of Turkestan in Kazakhstan is hosting the international Kokpar competition.
The tournament began on March 15 and will continue until March 21, 2026.
Teams from Afghanistan, China, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Turkey are participating in the competition.
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