Arman Balkh secure title despite final-day defeat, earning qualification to national zonal champions tournament.
BALKH | By Sara Amiri
Arman Balkh U-14 football team has been crowned champions of the Northern Zone tournament after finishing top of the standings with nine points, despite a 2-0 defeat to Faryab Bostan in their final match.
The competition, hosted in Balkh province, featured five teams from across the northern region. Arman Balkh secured the title with three wins and one loss, demonstrating consistency across the tournament to edge their closest rivals.
Faryab Bostan finished as runners-up with seven points, while Jawanan Hambastagi Jowzjan claimed third place with five points. Omid Sar-e-Pul received the Fair Play Award.
In the final day’s other fixture, Samangan’s Azadi Nowin played out a 1-1 draw with Jawanan Hambastagi Jowzjan.
The closing ceremony was attended by regional football federation officials, members of Afghanistan’s U-17 national team, team representatives and a large number of supporters.
Individual awards saw Yousuf (Omid Sar-e-Pul) named emerging player, Rafiullah (Jowzjan) as best goalkeeper, Kabir (Arman Balkh) as top scorer, and Omidullah (Jowzjan) as best player of the tournament.
Age-group competitions in Afghanistan continue to serve as a key development pathway for emerging football talent, particularly in regional zones where access to structured training and national exposure remains limited.