Afghanistan’s under-17 futsal team advanced to the semifinals of the 2025 Asian Youth Games with a dominant 7–0 victory over host nation Bahrain.
Manama | By Sara Amiri
Afghanistan’s U-17 national futsal team has secured a place in the semifinals of the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain after thrashing the hosts 7–0 on Saturday. The emphatic win follows another commanding 10–2 triumph over Uzbekistan in their opening match, underscoring the team’s growing dominance in the continental competition.
Led by a disciplined defense and sharp attacking play, the young Afghan squad showcased remarkable teamwork and composure, finishing the group stage with six points and a commanding goal difference. “This victory belongs to the people of Afghanistan. Our players fought with heart and discipline,” said the team coach, expressing pride in his side’s performance.
“Only the championship suits this team,” said Afghan sports journalist Zabihullah Shehzad in a social media post, echoing the nationwide excitement surrounding the young squad’s historic run.
The tournament, featuring eight nations divided into two groups, kicked off on October 23 in Manama. Afghanistan competes in Group A alongside Bahrain, Uzbekistan, and China. With two consecutive victories, Afghanistan now heads confidently into the semifinals, eyeing the nation’s first youth futsal title on the Asian stage.
Afghanistan’s youth futsal program has seen steady growth in recent years despite limited resources and training facilities. The under-17 squad’s strong showing in Bahrain marks one of the country’s most successful international performances at the youth level. The team’s attacking flair and resilience have inspired optimism among fans and officials alike, who now believe the championship title is within reach.