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).
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed on Friday that it will host West Indies for a three-match T20I series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 19 to 22.
The series will begin on January 19, with the second and third T20Is scheduled for January 21 and 22. It is expected to provide both teams with valuable match practice and will play a key role in their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled less than a month after the series.
ACB CEO Naseeb Khan said: “Competing against West Indies on the brink of a global event presents an excellent opportunity for our team to finalize their lineup and enhance preparations for the upcoming tournament in India and Sri Lanka. We have been closely monitoring the team’s preparation process, and facing a quality West Indies side offers an ideal platform for their buildup.”
CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe added: “This series provides an ideal platform for our preparations. Facing strong opposition in subcontinental conditions will help us sharpen our combinations and approach, while also giving our players a chance to build confidence on surfaces similar to those we’ll encounter in India and Sri Lanka.”
Series Schedule:
Afghanistan’s national cricket team continued their dominant form in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament on Friday, recording back-to-back victories over Nepal and South Africa.
Against South Africa, Afghanistan posted 148 runs in six overs. Captain Gulbadin Naib starred with 50 runs off just 12 balls, while Karim Janat added 46 from 11 deliveries. South Africa could muster only 99 runs in response, giving Afghanistan a commanding 49-run win.
Earlier on Friday, Afghanistan had defeated Nepal by 17 runs, marking a perfect start to the tournament.
The Hong Kong Sixes features twelve teams, each with six players, competing in a fast-paced, six-over format.
The Afghanistan national futsal team played to a 2–2 draw with Iran in their second match of the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh on Thursday.
Sayed Mujtaba Hosseini and Mahdi Nowruzi were on target for Afghanistan.
Having defeated Tajikistan in their opening game of the tournament, Afghanistan will face Morocco in their final group-stage match next Saturday.
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